Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya is facing sharp criticism after announcing the detention of several former judges and former law enforcement officers who were allegedly attempting to flee the country by boat to avoid being imprisoned on political charges.
The individuals are accused of having links to the faith-based Gülen movement, which the Turkish government labels as a terrorist organization responsible for a coup attempt in 2016. The movement denies any involvement in the coup or any terrorist activity.
Yerlikaya revealed that former judges O.S., S.A., B.Ö., E.Z. and B.Z., along with police officers Ü.B. and K.B., were apprehended aboard a boat called the “W.B.” off the coast of Muğla’s Marmaris district. The operation, “KISKAÇ-28,” was coordinated by the National Intelligence Organization and the Muğla police.
FETÖ üyeliğinden ihraç edilen Hakimler O.S., S.A., B.Ö., E.Z. ve B.Z. ile Emniyet personeli Ü.B. ve K.B. “W.B." isimli tekneyle Muğla’dan yurtdışına kaçarken yakalandı❗️
🚩İstihbarat Başkanlığı koordinesinde Muğla İstihbarat Şube Müdürlüğünce yapılan çalışmalarda; kamudan ihraç… pic.twitter.com/ta06Pzc5OX
— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) September 17, 2024
According to the Interior Ministry statement, the suspects were using ByLock, an encrypted messaging app that Turkish authorities claim was employed by members of the Gülen movement, inspired by US-based cleric Fethullah Gülen.
Following the coup attempt, the Turkish government accepted such activities as having an account at the Bank Asya, one of Turkey’s largest commercial banks at the time; using the ByLock messaging application, which was available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play; and subscribing to the Zaman daily or other publications affiliated with members of the movement as benchmarks for identifying and arresting alleged followers of the Gülen movement on charges of membership in a terrorist organization.
The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly ruled that use of ByLock or having an account at Bank Asya do not constitute criminal offenses.
“Operations against FETÖ [a derogatory term used by the government to describe the Gülen movement] will continue with determination,” Yerlikaya declared on social media. “I congratulate our Coast Guard and police forces for carrying out the operations. May God protect you. The prayers of our nation are with you.”
Yerlikaya’s announcement prompted swift backlash from academics, former judges and human rights activists who accuse the government of overreach and violating basic human rights.
Savaş Genç, a professor and political scientist, criticized the government’s actions in a pointed social media post.
“During the coup d’état under the tyranny of September 12, 30,000 people fled abroad,” he wrote, referring to Turkey’s 1980 military coup. “Now, 75 percent of the country is planning to escape from this civilian coup. People are not fleeing because they are guilty but because you are oppressive!”
Kemal Karanfil, a former judge who was dismissed from his position, also condemned the detentions. “There’s no such crime as attempting to flee abroad, you ignorant and cruel person!” he exclaimed. “Even judges are fleeing from your and your friends’ oppression! Instead of being ashamed, you share it to appease your leader!”
Hüseyin Demirtaş, another former military officer who left Turkey fearing persecution, directly addressed Yerlikaya: “Look here, buddy… There is no crime called ‘fleeing abroad’ in the Turkish constitutional order. What you’re doing is a 21st-century version of the genocide crimes committed by the Nazis. Prove otherwise if you can.”
Gökhan Akşit, a medical professional, highlighted what he sees as misplaced priorities.
“They use the state’s resources not for the welfare of the people but to turn innocent people’s lives into hell,” he said. “As immorality, theft and crimes peak in the country, instead of dealing with the real criminals, they chase after dismissed judges — classic methods of dictatorial regimes!”
A continued crackdown
Since the coup attempt on July 15, 2016, the Turkish government has been relentless in its pursuit of individuals it accuses of being affiliated with the Gülen movement. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has consistently targeted the group, especially after corruption investigations in December 2013 implicated him and his inner circle.
Dismissing the investigations as a Gülenist coup and conspiracy against his government, Erdoğan designated the movement as a terrorist organization and began to target its members. He intensified the crackdown on the movement following the abortive putsch.
Following the failed coup, the government declared a state of emergency, leading to a massive purge across state institutions. More than 130,000 public servants were summarily dismissed, including 4,156 judges and prosecutors, and nearly 30,000 military personnel. Thousands were detained, and many more fled the country to avoid prosecution.
Human rights organizations and UN and EU bodies have repeatedly criticized Turkey for what they describe as arbitrary detentions and a lack of due process.
The European Union has repeatedly noted backsliding in judicial independence and fundamental rights. The EU has urged Turkey to align its anti-terror laws with European standards to prevent arbitrary prosecutions.
There have been numerous reports alleging torture and ill-treatment in custody to coerce detainees into confessing or implicating others. Defendants are often encouraged to take advantage of repentance laws that offer reduced penalties in exchange for informing on alleged associates.
The international community has also expressed concern over Turkey’s human rights record, especially regarding freedom of expression, fair trial rights, and the treatment of detainees.