Turkish authorities detain former prosecutors and inmate in 2011 intelligence officer death case

Turkish security officials detained four suspects on Thursday: two former prosecutors responsible for the prison that housed intelligence officer Kaşif Kozinoğlu, a former inmate who was his cellmate, and a fourth individual linked to the case. A separate warrant targets former Colonel Hasan Atilla Uğur, also a former cellmate, who is reportedly residing in Cyprus. Kozinoğlu, a senior MIT figure arrested during the 2011 Ergenekon probe, died in prison after a heart-attack-like incident that investigators now suspect was orchestrated by FETÖ-aligned guards.

The Justice Ministry has ordered a new probe, including the exhumation of Kozinoğlu’s body, and is reviewing the handling of evidence and the original investigation. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek emphasized a commitment to uncover any wrongdoing, regardless of the time elapsed. The inquiry also extends to the popular TV series “Kurtlar Vadisi,” whose fictional portrayal of a similar death has drawn scrutiny.