Prosecutor’s office launches investigation into Şahin’s claim


Date posted: January 2, 2014

 İSTANBUL
Following a complaint submitted by the Judges and Prosecutors Association (YARSAV), the Ankara Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into a claim made by former Justice Minister and current Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Chairman Mehmet Ali Şahin, who said on Monday that a Supreme Court of Appeals judge had asked Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen‘s opinion about a suspect whose case the court was hearing before delivering the final verdict.

A statement released by the Supreme Court of Appeals on Tuesday said that such a claim, which could harm the objectivity of the court, is not acceptable and added that if Şahin has any evidence, it should be handed over to the judiciary to start legal action on his claim.

The lawyer of the Turkish Islamic scholar, Nurullah Albayrak, said in a written statement that no conversation has taken place between his client and the judge, and rejected the allegations that the judge had sought the scholar’s opinion before delivering the final verdict concerning a businessman who was convicted in the case.

Şahin claimed that a high-level judge at the Supreme Court of Appeals had acted contrary to legal procedure and contacted Gülen before issuing his final verdict in the case against the businessman several years ago.

“What should I do in this case?” asked the judge, according to the claims of the former justice minister. He went on to say that Gülen had allegedly told the judge to do “what justice requires.”

Şahin’s claim came at a time when the AK Party government has accused prosecutors who have launched a far-reaching investigation into corruption and alleged bribery, fraud and tender rigging that involves high-level officials and ministers of acting according to the group interests of “an illegal structure and a gang within the state.”

Albayrak rejected the allegations and denied any contact between Gülen and the judge.

Source: Today's Zaman , January 2, 2014


Related News

Bank Asya says raising capital, set for growth

“Bank Asya expects to raise its total capital by TL 300 million to TL 1.2 billion. … We sold an 18 percent stake in the retail chain A101 as part of this plan,” the bank said. Bank Asya said its capital adequacy ratio is 14.8 percent — well above the conventionally accepted minimum level of 12 percent — and that it expects to enjoy further growth in 2014. The bank said it expects the capital adequacy ratio to reach 17 percent, making it one of the five strongest (in capital) banks in Turkey. Previously, the bank held 21.84 percent of the shares in A101.

Plot against Samanyolu media group detected

A plot created by an anonymous Internet user to manipulate an employee of the Samanyolu Media Group to frame the institution has been detected thanks to evidence given by the Samanyolu employee after relatives reported his involvement.

Fethullah Gülen’s message to his sympathizers in the aftermath of the coup attempt

I hope that those who set their hearts on a cause will not loosen their hands about working on the world solidarity and universal human values, and they will continue on their way. I hope they do not get shaken by such storms, with Allah’s permission and help. Just like all the things happened until today had passed and became history, these latest incidents will pass and become history, with Allah’s permission.

[Alleged] “Coup leader” Gülen’s friendships with the Catholic Church

Erdogan’s propaganda channels and instruments have been referring to Hizmet as the “Gülenist Terror Organisation” for years and over the past months, this full-fledged criminalisation campaign has often seen relations between the Hizmet network and the Catholic Church – including the Vatican – being dragged into it. This has primarily been witnessed in the most staunchly nationalist press channels.

Erdoğan gov’t abusing regulatory agencies to punish opponents

Pressuring state regulators to abuse their powers, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government has mounted an aggressive campaign to punish groups and companies that are critical of the government’s handling of a massive corruption investigation, which has led to questions about the credibility and independence of regulatory agencies in Turkey.

Police raid Gülen-inspired prep schools in Erzurum

In another government-orchestrated operation targeting the faith-based Gülen movement, popularly known as the Hizmet movement, police officers and inspectors from a number of ministries and government bodies carried out raids early on Thursday on FEM prep schools established by Hizmet volunteers in Erzurum.

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

A rift between the Hizmet movement and the AK Party?

Three ministers resign as one urges PM to step down amid corruption probe

Interview: U.S. Judge Says Turkey’s Judiciary ‘Taken Over’ By Erdogan

In Netherlans court orders parents to stop calling De Roos primary a terrorist school

It’s clear that deportation of three Turks is to please Turkey’s president

Kimse Yok Mu to provide meals to over 1 mln in Ramadan

Autistic child injures self to express grief after father detained in Malaysia: mother

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News