News Center — The announcement of the murder of university student Clistan Doku has reignited debate about violence against women in Turkey, after her disappearance remained a mystery for years, sparking widespread demands for justice. With the confirmation of her murder, popular and human rights pressures are escalating to uncover the details of the case and hold those involved accountable.

The Justice Committees concerned with the Clistan Doku case, which continued to ask the question "Where is Clistan Doku?" for six years since her disappearance in Dersim in 2020, announced an urgent action plan in light of recent developments in the case.

Shevin Özden, a representative of the Justice Committee in the Clistan Doku case, which was established following the student's disappearance, provided an assessment of the investigation's progress, pointing out that the arrest of 13 people, including the main suspect Zeynal Abakarov, came late, and affirmed the absence of an effective investigation for a long time.

She explained that three chief prosecutors were appointed during the various stages of the case, without this leading to the arrest of any suspects or making tangible progress, despite the risk of evidence being destroyed or tampered with. "A similar pattern was observed in the case of Rojin Kabas, in addition to attempts to close the file under the pretext of suicide," she said, affirming that they continue their efforts to uncover the truth and achieve justice.

Shevin Özden drew attention to the statements of secret witnesses and the emergence of new claims regarding Clistan Doku's fate, adding that these statements are linked to policies of impunity. "The women's struggle for justice will continue. We will continue our efforts to bring those involved to justice until Clistan Doku's fate becomes clear."

She stressed the need to thoroughly examine all documents, video recordings, and witness statements, renewing her call for an effective investigation.

She also announced the launch of an urgent action plan by the Justice Committees and called on women to take to the streets in solidarity, emphasizing that "the arrests are the fruit of struggle."

Regarding violence against women and suspicious female deaths, she drew attention to the fact that these cases have increased significantly in recent years, affirming the importance of combating femicide and suspicious deaths.

New arrests

Within the framework of the investigation into the Clistan Doku case, interrogation of the detainees continues. Celal Altaş, Nursen Arkan, Ferhat Göven, Cemil Yücer, Engin Yücer, and Zeynal Abakarov, whose statements have been taken, have been referred to court with a request for arrest warrants. The suspect Uğurcan Açıkgöz has also been referred with a request for judicial supervision, namely a travel ban.

The court issued decisions to arrest Celal Altaş, Nursen Arkan, Ferhat Göven, Cemil Yücer, Engin Yücer, and Zeynal Abakarov. With the exception of former police officer Engin Yücer, the other five detainees were transferred to prison.

During the process of transferring the detainees from the courthouse to the prison, a number of citizens gathered outside the court expressing their anger, while police forces prevented them from approaching. The crowd chanted slogans directed at the detainees, including: "Will Tuncay Sünel save you? You will all be held accountable, you murderers."