Gülen issues message of condolences for slain prosecutor Kiraz

Turkish-Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen
Turkish-Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen


Date posted: April 2, 2015

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has offered his deep condolences to family of Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz, who was killed after a deadly hostage crisis on Tuesday.

During these days when we have to shoulder subsequent painful incidents, I wish God’s mercy on our Public Prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz, who was among the members of the judiciary who devoted their lives to justice and who was martyred while in office in a heinous terrorist attack, and I extend my condolences to his wife, children, colleagues and the judicial community,” Gülen said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

He also expressed wish that “dark hands are not given an opportunity to deal a blow to peace in the country and that the real perpetrators of the incident are captured.”

Prosecutor Kiraz was taken hostage by two members of the the outlawed Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) in his office on Tuesday. All three were killed in a rescue attempt by Turkish security forces.

Kiraz had been leading an investigation into the death last March of Berkin Elvan, 15, who died nine months after falling into a coma after being hit by a police teargas canister during anti-government protests in 2013.

The DHKP-C said on its website that the hostage-taking was in revenge for Elvan, whose death a year ago prompted renewed protests in parts of İstanbul.

Source: Today's Zaman , April 01, 2015


Related News

Turkey Heads Toward Radical Islamic Dictatorship

Thousands have been arrested. Civil rights are suspended. People are jailed with no way to consult lawyers or present a defense. The coup has become an excuse for Erdoğan to purge state institutions, and even the private sector, of his critics, regardless of their guilt with regard to the insurrection. The Turkish government — and a 100% state-controlled media — has accused the U.S. government of being behind the coup attempt itself and harboring its purported mastermind, Fetullah Gulen.

Why Gülen movement teachings attractive to followers?

The Gülen Movement arose among pious men and women who wanted a modern interpretation of religion. In the dynamics of the transformation of the movement, the social milieu also played an important role. The movement became a spiritual refuge for those who searched for an interpretation where Islam was in harmony with modernity. The followers of the Gülen Movement do not describe themselves as a political movement.

Today’s Zaman celebrates 6th anniversary with columnists, editors

Today’s Zaman editors and columnists came together to celebrate the daily’s sixth anniversary at a dinner on Monday night. Some 30 Today’s Zaman columnists and the daily’s editorial staff came together at the Today’s Zaman headquarters in İstanbul for the dinner. “Today’s Zaman has been acknowledged as a reliable source of news and analysis during […]

Book Review — Fethullah Gülen: A Life of Hizmet

Gülen comes off in the book as a charismatic figure, who is defined by humility. You can understand why some might find him troubling. He has inspired great loyalty. Yet, like the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis, he has used this charisma and loyalty for the good. A biography like this is important because it brings to life both the person, whose vision led to the creation of the movement and the nature of the movement itself.

Armed with automatic rifles, Turkish authorities raid Gülen-linked schools

Inspectors from six different state bodies have raided several schools and educational facilities linked to the Gülen movement as part of a witch-hunt against the group that has been raging since twin corruption investigations targeting the country’s president and his inner circle.

More emphasis should be given to improving students’ functional skills

Tens of educators, bureaucrats and representatives of civil society organizations and private education foundations from Turkey and 15 other countries, have said the Turkish education system should not only focus on transferring information but also on improving students’ functional skills and capabilities.

Latest News

Turkish inmate jailed over alleged Gülen links dies of heart attack in prison

Message of Condemnation and Condolences for Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney

Media executive Hidayet Karaca marks 11th year in prison over alleged links to Gülen movement

ECtHR faults Turkey for convictions of 2,420 applicants over Gülen links in follow-up to 2023 judgment

New Book Exposes Erdoğan’s “Civil Death Project” Targeting the Hizmet Movement

European Human Rights Treaty Faces Legal And Political Tests

ECtHR rejects Turkey’s appeal, clearing path for retrials in Gülen-linked cases

Erdoğan’s Civil Death Project’ : The ‘politicide’ spanning more than a decade

Fethullah Gülen’s Vision and the Purpose of Hizmet

In Case You Missed It

Turkey’s Erdogan vows to cut off revenues of Gulen-linked businesses

Turkey’s Erdoğan Regime Extends Post-Coup Witch Hunt Targeting Gülen Followers Abroad

‘Building Bridges Through Education’ explores education’s role in a globalized society

73-year-old says looking after grandchildren as daughter, son-in-law behind bars

Turkey’s Post-Coup Purge and Erdogan’s Private Army

PM’s son: Dad, let’s initiate an operation against Hizmet’s senior members

Gülen: I hope they avoid the adventures of the Union and Progress Party

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News