Witnesses claim Süleymancılar leader had connections to Gülenist network amid murder probe
Testimony from former members suggests Alihan Kuriş, head of the Süleymancılar movement, was influenced by the Gülenist group, while investigators re-examine the death of former transport minister Arif Ahmet Denizolgun.
Prosecutors heard multiple accounts linking Alihan Kuriş, one outlet head of the Süleymancılar religious movement, to the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ). A longtime member testified that Kuriş was “handled” by FETÖ, while a businessman recalled that former transport minister Arif Ahmet Denizolgun had been offered cooperation by Fetullah Gülen in December 2013, an offer he allegedly declined. Another witness described Kuriş as greedy and ambitious, suggesting he might have been involved in Denizolgun’s 2016 death, which authorities are re-investigating after exhuming the body.
Denizolgun’s nephew has accused Kuriş of responsibility for the death. Kuriş was detained last month on corruption charges together with other top members of the group.
Why it matters
Alleged links between a religious movement and a designated terrorist network raise concerns about political influence and possible foul play in a high-profile death.
In this story
