Found by detectives after 33 years: 'It was the sea air that drew me to Antalya'

The JASAT detective teams of the Manavgat District Gendarmerie Command, which carry out operations to apprehend individuals wanted for various crimes, stopped a person collecting scrap with a three-wheeled cart near the Manavgat Stadium in the Kum neighborhood on suspicion and conducted an identity check.

A detailed investigation based on the statement of the individual, who did not have identification on him, determined that his name was Kemal Demir.

DECLARATION OF ABSENCE ISSUED

It was determined that Demir had been sought by his family for 33 years, that his parents had passed away in 2013, and that his siblings had filed a lawsuit for a declaration of absence at the Civil Court of Peace in Yalova to obtain a certificate of inheritance. The court had issued a decision of lack of jurisdiction and sent the file to Alanya, where he had last resided, and the Alanya Civil Court of Peace had issued a declaration of absence on July 28, 2018.

DID NOT WANT TO RETURN TO HIS FAMILY

Kemal Demir, who was brought to the Central Gendarmerie Station by JASAT teams, was taken back to his scrap cart in the Kum neighborhood after stating that he would not return to his family and would continue his life in Manavgat following the completion of the procedures.

'THE SEA AND THE SEA AIR DREW ME HERE'

Kemal Demir, who left İzmit 33 years ago in 1991 at the age of 17, leaving behind his parents, older sister, and older brother, and who worked in various jobs after going first to Bodrum and then to Kuşadası, said, "I came to Manavgat in 2002. It was the sea and the sea air that drew me here. There is no other reason. After staying in Manavgat for 1 year, I went to Alanya. I returned to Manavgat in 2009 and have been living in Manavgat for 15 years. As you can see, I do recycling work. I am happy with my life."

'I WILL NOT GO TO COURT TO CANCEL THE DECLARATION OF ABSENCE OR FOR INHERITANCE'

Stating that his family did not feel the need to search for him for 33 years, Kemal Demir said, "I don't remember anything about my past other than my mother and father. They have passed away. I don't know anyone from my family. I don't want anything from anyone. I will not make any demands such as canceling the declaration of absence or claiming an inheritance. I will continue to live my life here."

News Source: İHA