In a recent analysis for T24, journalist Gökçer Tahincioğlu examined the unresolved and largely unpunished crimes committed by state organisations in Turkey during the 1990s, focusing in particular on JİTEM (Gendarmerie Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Unit) and the Susurluk scandal. Despite extensive documentation through books, research, state reports and media exposing the criminal activities of these groups, including murders, drug trafficking and arms dealing, there has been a notable lack of punishment for the perpetrators.
Tahincioğlu discussed the ongoing trial of 18 defendants, including former minister Mehmet Ağar, for unsolved murders in Ankara between 1993 and 1996. Despite initial convictions, these were overturned and recent retrials have resulted in acquittals, with higher courts upholding these decisions.
“Some of the main defendants in these cases have been declared ‘heroes’ and the group that involved the state in illegal activities has been absolved and cleansed by some circles that consider themselves ‘patriots’,” Tahincioğlu said.
Tahincioğlu also drew attention to the opinion of Ayhan Altun, a judge who criticised the acquittals by highlighting the illegal activities of the defendants and their formation of death squads against Kurdish citizens. “The dissenting opinion written by Ayhan Altun is a historical document,” said Tahincioğlu.
The journalist highlighted the inconsistency in the prosecution of these crimes, as earlier cases such as the Susurluk trial confirmed the existence of these illegal groups within the state, but many cases were dismissed due to the statute of limitations.
“In the Susurluk and JİTEM trials, the courts and the Court of Cassation established the existence of these illegal structures within the state and severely punished some of the defendants. There is no doubt about the existence of these organisations. But somehow the actions of these illegal organisations cannot be found!” Tahincioğlu said.
Reflecting on the lack of resolution and justice for these crimes, Tahincioğlu pointed out that it reflects a wider problem in Turkey’s political history, where such crimes have been normalised or justified under the guise of patriotism.
“If you follow the lives, careers and affiliations of the defendants in this case over a period of 30 years, you enter a time tunnel of Turkey’s political history. A tunnel that leads to today… People have been killed, and by not prosecuting or convicting these accusations, they have tried to legitimise these murders.”
Tahincioğlu had previously highlighted the implications of Turkey’s new penal code, which could lead to the release of dangerous criminals while excluding political prisoners.
A recent YouTube broadcast by journalist Cevheri Güven revealed alleged links between key figures in Turkish military intelligence and former members of JİTEM, suggesting a resurgence of deep state tactics reminiscent of the 1990s.
The Susurluk scandal, which exposed links between the state, police and mafia in Turkey, revealed that many Kurdish activists and politicians had been murdered by a state-linked criminal organisation. Even after the Susurluk scandal broke, then Prime Minister Tansu Çiller made the following statement in defence of Abdullah Çatlı (a convicted fugitive and crime lord wanted for drug trafficking and murder who died in the Susurluk car crash): “Those who fire bullets or are shot for this state are remembered with respect, they are honourable.”
Despite the state’s official acknowledgement of JİTEM’s existence, the prosecution of crimes committed by such organisations remains inconsistent, resulting in a historical injustice that continues to affect Turkey’s political landscape today.
The continued impunity for these crimes raises concerns about the influence of clandestine networks on Turkey’s security policy and the Kurdish conflict, and underlines the ongoing challenge of reconciling security measures with demands for accountability and human rights.
The unresolved legacy of these crimes and the resurgence of similar tactics today highlight the urgent need for transparency, accountability and a humane approach to addressing Turkey’s longstanding problems.
