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

Independent deputy says there may be an attempt to pin political murders on Gülen movement

İlhan İşbilen, an independent deputy for İzmir, has said some sections of society are part of a “dirty scenario” that aims to make sure the Gülen movement, a faith-based grassroots social initiative, is uttered in the same breath as extrajudicial political killings.

Gradual transformation of Turkey into an authoritarian entity under Erdogan’s leadership

As Erdogan moved on the Islamic path of authoritarianism with political ambition of becoming of leader of Muslim world, it has adversely impacted the stability of Turkey — both internally and externally. By crushing the Gulen movement it undermined the Islamic ideational resources needed most to fight Islamic terrorism.

Whistleblower Fuat Avni: Gov’t to plant weapons in Hizmet buildings to declare it terrorist group

A government whistleblower who tweets under the pseudonym Fuat Avni has alleged that the government is planning to plant weapons and ammunition in houses and buildings used by followers of the Hizmet movement in order to declare the movement a terrorist organization ahead of the upcoming general election.

Another suspicious death: Doctor dies of heart attack in prison

Ali Özer, a 48-year-old doctor who was jailed due to his alleged links to the faith-based Gülen movement, has died of a heart attack in Çorum Prison. This is 57th such suspicious death or suicide since last summer’s so-called coup attempt against Erdogan regime.

Gülen Schools and Rule-of-Law in Turkey

Whatever one’s attitude toward or assessment of Fethullah Gülen might be, the case of the preparatory schools is a barometer for the state of rule-of-law in Turkey. Gülen’s ideology is irrelevant; law should treat everyone equally.

‘Turkey has become dangerous for us’: Failed coup has some seeking asylum here

They seemed an utterly normal family and yet were scared to publicly reveal their names. They came from Turkey, where a coup attempt in July led to a government sweep of mass arrests and firings. Targeted with particular suspicion: anyone affiliated with a popular movement known for its schools, good works, pro-Western brand of Islam and perceived elusiveness.

Latest News

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

In Case You Missed It

Major Says No One In Erdoğan Assassination Attempt Trial Has Links To Gülen

Police officials who carried out graft operation detained in raids

First purification, next habituation

In Berlin, inside a Gulen “light-house”

Being partners of the state

Benin seeks development with investments of Turkish enterprises

You are free to touch Hizmet movement

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News