In a significant security breach, a Russian national, wanted by Interpol for connections with the Islamic State (ISIS), was apprehended while employed at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin, Turkey.
The individual, announced only by his initials U.A., had been working at the facility using a fraudulent identity. The arrest occurred during a targeted operation against ISIS members in the region, revealing the suspect’s use of fake identification documents registered to another foreign national, R.K..
Following the arrest, U.A. was taken into custody by the police and, upon being presented to the judiciary, was detained by an on-duty court.
This incident, which has raised serious questions about the security measures in place at critical infrastructure sites, also brought to light previous incidents highlighting concerns around Turkey’s handling of individuals linked to ISIS.
Turkey has previously been criticised for providing sanctuary to Hatim Ebû Şeqra, involved in the 2019 murder of Kurdish politician Hevrîn Xelef. Şeqra’s graduation from Mardin Artuklu University raised alarm among academic circles and international communities.
The North and East Syria Universities Coordination Co-Chair Rohan Mistefa called for a global stance against Turkey’s actions, emphasising the contradiction with humanitarian and international norms.
