ADANA – Lawyer Tugay Bek stated that the investigation into the killing of journalist Kadri Bağdu, a worker of the Free Press and distributor for the now-closed Azadiya Welat newspaper, was deliberately left superficial, saying: “The case can only be solved if it is treated as a political assassination.”
Kadri Bağdu, who distributed Azadiya Welat for 17 years, was shot dead on October 14, 2014, while delivering newspapers by bicycle in the Şakirpaşa neighborhood of Adana. Although 11 years have passed, no perpetrators have been identified.
Bek criticized the confidentiality order imposed on the case: “Such secrecy is usually meant to protect evidence and prevent suspects from fleeing, but here it has only obstructed the collection of evidence and the search for truth.”
He also noted that security cameras monitoring opposition activities in the area somehow failed to capture the murder, despite clearly recording other protests.
‘NO SERIOUS INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED’
Bek explained that despite presenting evidence, including testimony linked to Servet Koç, no progress was made. “We submitted Koç’s records to the file, but since he died in an airstrike, his statement was never taken. The investigation that could have followed through these leads was simply never pursued,” he said.
‘WITHOUT DEMOCRATIZATION, CASES WON’T BE SOLVED’
Bek emphasized the political nature of the killing: “We have repeatedly stated that the perpetrator should be sought within ISIS. Yet the prosecution never deepened the investigation in that direction.”
He stated that while other ISIS-related murders were clarified through evidence, no such effort was made here. “Such political killings are directly tied to democratization and the struggle for freedom. Without genuine democratic change, these dark cases will remain unresolved,” he added.
‘THE CASE SHOULD BE REEXAMINED’
Bek highlighted Bağdu’s visibility within Kurdish media: “Kadri was a well-known figure who never stopped distributing his paper even in the hardest times. Because of that, he became a target.”
Bek said: “Despite the known perpetrators behind the attacks on the Kurdish press, most have never faced trial. There was no genuine will to find those responsible. The investigation was deliberately shallow from the beginning. The case must be reopened.”
He concluded that the prosecution must acknowledge Bağdu was targeted as a Kurdish journalist by ISIS and the deep state, warning that without such recognition, justice will not be achieved.
Bağdu will be commemorated on October 14 at 1:00 p.m. at his grave in Küçükoba Cemetery by his family and journalist colleagues.
WHAT HAPPENED? ,
On October 14, 2014, while delivering newspapers, Bağdu was shot five times by an assailant on a motorcycle and died at the hospital. Despite early suspicions of ISIS involvement, prosecutors treated it as an ordinary criminal case.
In 2016, ISIS member Servet Koç sent a message to Bağdu’s son, confessing to the murder and claiming they were “used by the state.” He detailed how the attack was carried out and even identified the motorcycle and weapon involved.
Despite this confession, no progress was made, and in October 2020, prosecutors labeled the case a “judicial incident” and suspended it indefinitely.
The family has since appealed to the Constitutional Court (AYM), but no development has been reported.