Critical decision in the Ali Gaffar Okkan assassination case after 25 years: Case dismissed for two individuals sought with red notices

A new decision has been reached in the judicial process concerning the assassination of Ali Gaffar Okkan, which left a deep mark on Turkey's memory. In the case regarding the attack carried out in Diyarbakır on January 24, 2001, the statute of limitations was applied to the fugitive defendants.

According to information reported by NTV, the case against two defendants, who were alleged to be among the perpetrators of the assassination and had been fugitives for years, has ended due to the statute of limitations.

THEY HAD BEEN SOUGHT FOR 25 YEARS

There had been long-standing arrest warrants for Haşim Alabalık and Murat Aktaş, who were listed as fugitive defendants in the case file.

While the two individuals were identified as suspects in the Ali Gaffar Okkan assassination, red notices had been issued for them, and international search efforts had been conducted.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS DECISION ISSUED

With the decision rendered by the court, it was stated that the case file against Haşim Alabalık and Murat Aktaş was dismissed due to the statute of limitations.

Within the scope of the decision, it was reported that the arrest warrants previously issued for the two defendants were also lifted.

THE AMBUSH SET FOR ALI GAFFAR OKKAN

Ali Gaffar Okkan served as the Diyarbakır Police Chief between 1997 and 2001.

Known for his close relationships with the city's residents and his efforts for families in need during his tenure, Okkan had earned the appreciation of broad segments of the public in Diyarbakır.

MARTYRED ON JANUARY 24, 2001

On January 24, 2001, Ali Gaffar Okkan was subjected to an armed attack on Sezai Karakoç Boulevard in the Şehitlik district of Diyarbakır while traveling in his official vehicle.

In the ambush-style attack, in addition to Okkan, police officers Mehmet Kamalı, Sabri Kün, Mehmet Sepetçi, Atilla Durmuş, and Selahattin Baysoy were also martyred.

THE ATTACK PLUNGED TURKEY INTO MOURNING

The assassination, which went down in history as one of the most talked-about attacks of the period, caused a great stir throughout Turkey.

It was known that among the issues Ali Gaffar Okkan prioritized during his tenure were efforts to shed light on the assassination of journalist and writer Uğur Mumcu, who was killed on January 24, 1993.

News Source: 12punto