Wife of veteran who lost hand, eyes in bomb attack under custody over Gülen links


Date posted: June 19, 2017

Özlem Konakçı, the wife of former bomb disposal expert Bilal Konakçı, was detained over her alleged links to the Gülen movement, which the government accuses of masterminding the July 15 2016 coup attempt, on June 9.

Bilal was retired from his position at İzmir Police Department after he lost his right hand and both eyes while trying to dispose of a bomb in 2009.

Speaking to Yeniçağ columnist Ahmet Takan, Bilal said police and gendarmerie forces raided their homes at 8 in the morning on June 9 and detained Özlem after a search at the home.

When asked about the reason, police said they had received a complaint from two people that Özlem is linked to the movement, Bilal added.

Former bomb expert also also spent 35 days behind bars over similar accusations before being released on judicial control on Jan 25, 2017.

“When I asked him how he meets his needs, Bilal Konakci’s answer was heartbreaking: ‘I have two daughters; one of them is 12 and the other one is 2 years old. We depend on support from neighbors and what the elder daughter could afford. Also, my 70-year-old father and mother, who has one of his arms injured support us’,” Takan reported a recent phone call with Bilal.

Source: Turkey Purge , June 18, 2017

Tags: | | |


Related News

Turkey crackdown: Gulen sympathizers abroad are feeling the heat

Turkey’s relentless pursuit of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen’s supporters during the past four months – both at home and abroad – has now resulted in Turkish military personnel serving at NATO bases seeking asylum, fearing persecution if they return home.

Erdoğan raising new army of political Islamists

Gülen had to take a stand, not seeking power for himself at his advanced age, but to protect the fundamental teachings of Islam that emphasize humility, moderation, justice, accountability and transparency in governance.

Veteran out of social security coverage after being dismissed in post-coup purge

Being a veteran is no relief from Turkey’s government witch hunt as M.E.Ç., a former police officer who lost his one ear and eye to clashes with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) says he cannot benefit from a state-backed social security coverage to undergo a surgery after dismissal.

Irmak TV starts broadcast

New television channel Irmak TV began broadcasting on Thursday night in a magnificent ceremony with blessings from senior Turkish officials, journalists and public figures. The TV channel, along with Today’s Zaman, is part of the Feza Media Group, and will mostly broadcast programs with moral, spiritual, cultural and religious content. Irmak, meaning “river” in Turkish, […]

Virginians Deliver 114,000 Pounds of Winter Warmth to Refugees in Turkey

Local governments working with volunteers from religious groups and private business in Virginia delivered more than 72 tons of coats and blankets this winter to Syrian refugees in Turkey. The Northern Virginia Regional Commission, made up of 14 local governments in the Washington, DC suburbs, has been coordinating the coat and blanket drive for each of the last three winters.

An Indian professor’s reflections on Erdogan’s visit to India, crackdown on Gulen movement

There has been no evidence of any terrorist activity by the followers of Gulen in any part of the world including Turkey. In India, they have been running their institutions: schools, coaching Institutes, and dormitories for more than 15 years, but none has been accused of any kind of terrorism and crime.

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

Turkish charities dedicate well in Uganda to James Foley

Turkey Blessed with the Prayers of Tanzanian Orphans

Appeals court unanimously upholds Fethullah Gülen acquittal

Erdoğan’s AKP runs out of steam, then what?

Gülen’s critics have no supporting evidence, says academic

Colours of the World; IFLC Pakistan grand finale

‘We see in Mr. Gulen a man teaching God’s words’

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News