Turkish authorities have identified a former Turkish gendarmerie colonel wanted in connection with a renewed investigation into the death of intelligence official Kaşif Kozinoğlu as being in the north, according to Turkish media reports.
The development comes as prosecutors revisit the circumstances surrounding Kozinoğlu's death in Silivri Prison in 2011, a case that has long remained the subject of controversy in Turkey.
Four arrest warrants issued
Turkish authorities have issued arrest warrants for four individuals as part of the latest phase of the investigation and carried out simultaneous operations in Constantinople and Ankara.
Those detained reportedly include:
- Hasan Ataman Yıldırım, a former fellow inmate of Kozinoğlu.
- Former Silivri chief prosecutor Ali İşgören.
- Former prison prosecutor Necip Doğan.
An arrest warrant was also issued for retired gendarmerie colonel Hasan Atilla Uğur, another former inmate.
Authorities seek Uğur's return
According to Turkish media reports, investigators determined that Uğur is currently in the north.
Judicial procedures have reportedly been initiated to locate, detain and return him to Turkey as part of the ongoing investigation.
Uğur is also known as the father of Turkish broadcaster and Babala TV founder Oğuzhan Uğur.
Case resurfaces after 15 years
Kozinoğlu, a senior member of Turkey's National Intelligence Organisation (MİT), died in Silivri Prison in 2011 while in detention.
His death raised questions at the time because of his senior role within Turkey's intelligence services and the circumstances surrounding his imprisonment and death.
Fifteen years later, the case has returned to the spotlight following the issuance of new arrest warrants and the detention of former judicial officials and former inmates connected to the period of his incarceration.
Source: CNA
