Turkey arrests 15 in Gülistan Doku murder case, expands probe
University student Gülistan Doku disappeared on 5 January 2020 in Tunceli. The investigation, led by the Tunceli and Erzurum chief public prosecutors and coordinated with the Interior Ministry, has turned into a large‑scale criminal probe.
Operations across several cities have resulted in the detention of dozens of suspects. The most prominent arrests include Handan Sonel, the wife of former Tunceli governor Tuncay Sonel, businessman Mehmet Aca, former police officer Gökhan Ertok and several security personnel. In total, 32 suspects have faced legal action: 15 have been remanded in custody, 14 are under judicial control, one red‑notice suspect is being extradited, and the remaining are still under investigation.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek repeatedly announced that the probe is thorough, citing the recovery of digital evidence, analysis of camera footage, financial records and DNA. He pledged that "the file will not be abandoned until the truth is fully uncovered". The Doku family continues to demand accountability for the alleged murder and alleged tampering with evidence.