The ongoing investigation into the murder of 8-year-old Narin Güran in Diyarbakır (Amed) has been marred by concerns of evidence tampering, according to Sevda Çelik Özbingöl, co-spokesperson of the Legal Commission of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party. Özbingöl expressed fears on Thursday 26 September that certain parties are working to obscure evidence, particularly after confidential case files were leaked to the public.
Narin Güran went missing on 21 August in the rural Tavşantepe (Çûlî) district of Bağlar (Rezan), Diyarbakır, and her body was discovered on 8 September in a nearby riverbed. While 12 individuals, including Narin’s mother, brother and uncle, remain in custody, the identity of the killer has yet to be determined.
The DEM Party’s legal team has filed a criminal complaint with the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, raising concerns about potential cover-ups, including links between Narin’s uncle, Salim Güran, and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) MP Galip Ensarioğlu, who had previously spoken publicly about the family. “The fact that case records are leaking shows that someone is trying to interfere with the evidence,” said Özbingöl.
Özbingöl highlighted the troubling nature of comments made by Ensarioğlu, who hinted at knowing more about the case but refused to disclose details. “These remarks increase our concerns that the case is being manipulated, and we have filed a complaint to ensure a thorough investigation into Ensarioğlu’s relationship with the accused,” she added.
The DEM Party has called for all responsible parties to be brought to justice, stressing that Narin’s murder should not be left unresolved. “The involvement of family members in this crime, along with political connections, raises fears that justice will not be served,” Özbingöl stated.
Özbingöl also warned of a broader organised effort to suppress evidence. “The leaks from the case file and the media’s portrayal of the story in a sensational manner suggest that someone is trying to ensure this case remains unsolved,” she said. “We are committed to ensuring that those responsible are found and punished accordingly.”
The investigation continues as more details emerge, including footage from a military surveillance camera showing additional individuals present at the scene where Narin’s body was hidden. These images are currently being analysed by experts.
