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Justice Ministry Special Unit Established: Akın Gürlek

Akin-gurlek

In a significant move toward judicial transparency, Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced on April 21, 2026, the establishment of a specialized unit within the Ministry. This team is tasked with re-examining all “cold cases” and legal files that were previously closed due to lack of evidence or non-prosecution decisions.

Minister Gürlek emphasized that the focus would be on cases that have caused significant public sensitivity and social outcry. “We want experienced eyes to look at these files again to identify any deficiencies or overlooked points,” Gürlek stated following a Cabinet Meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The Gülistan Doku Investigation: 11 Detained

The Minister provided a critical update on the case of Gülistan Doku, the Munzur University student who went missing in Tunceli on January 5, 2020. After years of stagnation, the investigation has seen a dramatic shift in April 2026.

Key Developments in the Case:

  • 11 Suspects Detained: As of today, 11 individuals have been arrested and imprisoned in connection with the investigation.

  • Arrest of Former Chief Physician: Op. Dr. Çağdaş Özdemir, the former Chief Physician of Tunceli State Hospital, was recently arrested. He is accused of deleting digital hospital records from the day Doku disappeared.

  • Former Governor Under Scrutiny: Minister Gürlek confirmed that the legal process regarding the former Governor of Tunceli (Tuncay Sonel) is ongoing. Allegations involve the deletion of critical SIM card data and other evidence.

  • Search for the Remains: The primary objective is to locate Doku’s body. “The priority is finding the location of the grave and identifying where the body is,” Gürlek noted.

A Broader Pursuit of Justice

The newly formed unit is part of a wider vision to restore public trust in the legal system. While the Gülistan Doku case is currently the most prominent example of a “shelved” file being reopened, the Ministry plans to apply this same rigor to other unsolved tragedies, such as the Rabia Naz Vatan case.

The Special Unit’s Protocol:

  1. Selective Review: Prioritizing cases that caused “public indignation.”

  2. Expert Oversight: Utilizing a team of senior prosecutors and forensic experts to spot “missing or flawed” steps in original investigations.

  3. No Exceptions: Minister Gürlek reiterated that investigations would proceed “no matter where they lead,” regardless of the status of the individuals involved.

This initiative suggests a more proactive stance by the Ministry of Justice in 2026, aiming to ensure that no crime remains unpunished due to bureaucratic oversight or intentional interference.

Source: t24

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