Turkish scientist detained in the US released on bail

It has been announced that Turkish scientist Furkan Dölek, who could not be reached for a period of time in the US, was released on 50,000 dollars bail after it was learned that he was in custody. In a statement made by the Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC) President, Attorney Seyit Şahin, it was shared that Dölek was released to be tried without arrest.

BROUGHT TO CHICAGO

It was reported that after being released from the prison in the city of El Paso, located on the Texas-Mexico border, Dölek traveled to Chicago with his lawyer. Şahin stated that the process is being followed closely.

JOINT STATEMENT FROM TASC

Attorney Michael Gökhan Kıran and Attorney Seyit Şahin, who followed the case voluntarily on behalf of TASC, drew attention to the support of the Turkish American community in their joint statement. The statement included the following: “Defending the rights of the Turkish American community is a responsibility for us. Dr. Furkan Dölek regaining his freedom is a natural result of this responsibility.”

It was stated that the bail amount was met in a short time with donations collected under the leadership of TASC and that Dölek will reside in Chicago throughout the judicial process.

FOUND AFTER MISSING PERSON REPORT

The process had resonated with the public after no news could be received from Dölek, who lives in the US, starting from August 27. As a result of the initiatives of Turkey’s Consulate General in New York, it was understood on September 4 that Dölek was at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center in New York.

FERMILAB PROCESS AND VISA CRISIS

It was stated that Dölek, who made findings regarding radioactive risks at the Fermilab laboratory affiliated with the US Department of Energy in March 2024, had shared this situation with the authorities and also announced it on social media. It was stated that he was fired and his visa was canceled in April 2024 following these statements.

It was reported that Dölek, who could not get a result from the lawsuit he filed against the cancellation of his visa, stayed in the US without a visa for about four months, and during this process, he started a protest march toward Canada.