Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office’s investigation into the profit-oriented criminal organization led by Alihan Kuriş and the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office’s investigation into the death of former Transport Minister Arif Ahmet Denizolgun now include witness statements.
Businessman M. K. gave testimony as a witness in the investigation conducted in Ankara. M. K. said that, in a conversation with Denizolgun and businessman R. A. about the business world shortly before December 17–25, 2013, Denizolgun told them he had received a letter from Fetullah Gülen proposing that they act together.
M. K. said Denizolgun had stated that he was considering standing with the state against the proposal. M. K. also said he concluded after the December 17–25 process that the proposal was intended as cooperation against the state and government.
Claims concerning Denizolgun’s death
Y. K., who testified in the investigation conducted by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, alleged that Alihan Kuriş had been fond of money since childhood and wanted to take over the religious community.
Y. K. said he believed Denizolgun’s death was not natural and alleged that Kuriş and his mother, Ayşe Gülderen, had made statements about taking over the religious community. Y. K. argued that Denizolgon’s death was the only option that could enable Kuriş to take over the community.
Witness R. Ş. said Kuriş had expectations of leadership and ambition, and that Kuriş and Ayşe Gülderen therefore spoke ill of Denizolgun among those around them.
R. Ş. said Denizolgun had stated before his death that Alihan Kuriş and Ayşe Gülderen could kill him and had even said that he might be poisoned.
R. Ş. also alleged that Kuriş was controlled by FETO and that Denizolgun was not wanted at the head of the community because he wanted to stand with the state and government. R. Ş. claimed that Kuriş was involved in a plan to kill Denizolgun and knew the people involved in the incident.
