Echoes of the Cemil Önal murder continue: 'It overshadows Susurluk'

While the echoes of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's recent visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) continue, allegations regarding the network of illegal relations on the island and a critical murder have shaken the TRNC agenda. Cemil Önal, the finance manager for Halil Falyalı, who was known for his dark connections, lost his life as a result of an armed attack at the hotel where he was staying in the Netherlands. Following the murder, striking statements came from Namık Tan, the CHP's Deputy Chairman responsible for Foreign Policy.

CHP'S TAN: "HE EXPOSED THE TAPE BLACKMAIL, HE WAS EXECUTED"

Speaking to Doğa Öztürk from the Cumhuriyet newspaper, CHP's Namık Tan recalled that Cemil Önal was known as Halil Falyalı's "black box" and assessed the murder as a "planned execution." Tan stated, "According to eyewitnesses and the hotel owner, this murder was committed deliberately and in plain sight. I have no doubt that Cemil Önal was killed because he exposed a tape blackmail scandal that allegedly extends from Halil Falyalı to Maksut Serim, Hakan Fidan, and even more senior figures."

DEATH THREATS AGAINST AYŞEMDEN AKIN

It is stated that shortly before his death, Cemil Önal made critical statements to Ayşemden Akın, Editor-in-Chief of the Bugün Kıbrıs newspaper, regarding certain AKP politicians in Turkey. Tan emphasized that journalist Akın has been receiving death threats, has applied to TRNC authorities, and has requested security measures. He stated that the CHP is closely monitoring Akın's safety.

KILLED BEFORE THE MEETING

Tan also drew attention to claims that Cemil Önal had planned to meet with a member of parliament from Turkey to share the information in his possession. Stating that Önal's murder took place just 2-3 days before this planned meeting, Tan said, "The timing of the murder raises suspicions."

For this reason, Tan stated that both a judicial process should be initiated and a parliamentary inquiry commission should be established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). Recalling that the research motion submitted by the CHP on April 29 was rejected by the votes of the AKP and MHP, Tan said, "It is clear that the government wants this file closed."

"STATE POWER IS BEING USED TO COVER UP DIRTY RELATIONS"

CHP's Tan emphasized that Turkey is now going through a process even darker than the Susurluk Scandal experienced in the 1990s. Stating, "Even the names of the highest-ranking figures in the government are being implicated in allegations of threats, bribery, and blackmail, yet the government does not make a single statement," Tan alleged that state institutions are being used to cover up the dirty dealings of certain politicians. He added, "This is not just a matter of reputation; it is also a national security issue."

A SCANDAL THAT OVERSHADOWS SUSURLUK

Referring to the 1996 Susurluk Scandal, Tan said, "Even at that time, the matter was referred to the judiciary and a parliamentary inquiry commission was established in the TBMM. Now, however, no one is being held accountable for a disgrace so great that it overshadows Susurluk. This is unacceptable."

"THE ONLY PROMISE TO THE TRNC IS A MINI-KULLIYE"

Namık Tan also touched upon President Erdoğan's visit to the TRNC, arguing that the visit was devoid of substance. Stating that Erdoğan's only promise to the Turkish Cypriots was a "mini-külliye" (presidential complex), Tan expressed that the public reacted to this. Tan commented, "Turkish Cypriots feel great anger towards Erdoğan and his impositions. It would not be surprising if crowds were transported from Turkey."

A FILE THAT THREATENS TURKEY

Tan said that the blackmail tapes have become not only a political crisis for the Republic of Turkey but also a security threat. "If blackmail material concerning people at the top of the state is circulating, the security risk this creates must be investigated immediately within the framework of the constitution and the laws," he said.