Detailed statement from the Ministry of Justice regarding the detention of Demirer and Özbudun Demirer

The Ministry of Justice has made an official written statement to put an end to the public discussions regarding writer Temel Demirer and academic Sibel Özbudun Demirer, who were detained as part of an investigation conducted by the Muğla Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. In the statement made by the Ministry, it was announced that both suspects were apprehended within the scope of the charge of "membership in an armed terrorist organization" and that the investigation is being carried out through the meticulous work of the Muğla Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Authorities emphasized that the legal process operates entirely independently of the suspects' public titles and is shaped solely by the concrete evidence available in the file and current legislation. Additionally, it was shared that the investigation file has been undertaken by the Prosecutor's Bureau of Terrorism and Constitutional Crimes and was recorded in official records under the number 2025/15700. This step was considered an important move to stop the various speculations circulating in the media and social media platforms following the detention process, and to accurately inform the public.

The ties of writer Temel Demirer, one of the first names to be addressed within the scope of the investigation, with terrorist organizations were examined in detail. According to the Ministry's statement, Demirer served as a writer in Kaldıraç Magazine, which is claimed to be under the control of the DSİH terrorist organization, and established contact with various detainees and convicts through TAYAD, a structure within the DHKP/C formation. During the judicial surveillance conducted by security units, it was determined that the suspect's name appeared multiple times in records related to organizational activities. In addition, it was revealed that Demirer has numerous judicial records spanning a wide time period from 2007 to 2026. The mentioned records include various serious charges such as establishing, directing, or being a member of an armed terrorist organization, making terrorist propaganda, praising the crime and the criminal, and insulting the President, and it was reported that a total of 18 separate judicial incidents were made the subject of investigation and prosecution.

The situation of Sibel Özbudun Demirer, known for her academic identity, was also addressed under a separate heading in the Ministry's statement, providing important details. It was stated that Özbudun Demirer worked as a lecturer at Hacettepe Üniversitesi before voluntarily leaving her position in 2010, after which she established contacts with different circles. In the information shared by the Ministry, it is expressed that the suspect actively participated in the activities of various formations alleged to have connections with left-wing terrorist organizations, particularly the DHKP/C. In this context, it was reported that through security investigations, it was determined that she attended numerous events such as meetings, panels, and forums organized by groups claimed to have ties with terrorist organizations. Furthermore, it was recorded that there are 5 separate judicial incident records regarding Özbudun Demirer between 2011 and 2026 within the scope of "making terrorist propaganda" and "praising the crime and the criminal" charges, and that her name appeared repeatedly in the operational judicial tracking of the DHKP/C and DSİH organizations.

Looking at the background of the developments, it is seen that both suspects were detained in the early hours of 5 Temmuz morning during a large-scale operation coordinated by the Muğla Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Immediately after the news leaked to the press following the operation, various comments and evaluations began to be made regarding the issue, which rapidly became a top agenda item in Turkey. Particularly in some media outlets and social media accounts, perception management of the incident was attempted by highlighting the suspects' titles of "writer" and "academic" rather than the technical details of the ongoing legal process. This information pollution and incomplete or distorted shares in the public led the Ministry of Justice to intervene in the process to provide transparent and clear information. This ongoing process is considered a complex legal and social issue where sensitive balances such as the fight against terrorism and freedom of expression are debated.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Justice has reaffirmed that the investigation process is being conducted by an independent judicial authority, considering the principle of the rule of law, without being subject to any external influence. In the latest evaluations, it was stated that the evidence collected in the file is being examined from all aspects and with great meticulousness, and that every stage of the investigation is officially recorded in compliance with the relevant legislation. Ministry officials insistently emphasized that people's public recognition or professional titles do not create exceptions in legal processes and that the principle of equality before the law is applied absolutely. It was announced that the mentioned file will continue to be investigated until all its dimensions are illuminated with the determination of the Muğla Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The public is also requested to only take into account the statements made by official authorities in such sensitive and ongoing judicial processes and not to give credence to speculative news.