5 ISIS Operation Convicts Escape from Jail

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Five people convicted of mass arms trafficking detained within operation launched against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have broken out of Kocaeli Open Prison. Three of the fugitives have been caught, search for the other two is continuing.

Escape was realized one week later

Gökhan Bulut, İrfan Yıldız, Raşit Karadağ, Serdar Sarıçam, and Duran Çoban were detained within the operation launched in 2015 into ISIS’ organization in Turkey. Arms and ammunition were seized in the searches.

While the five suspects were convicted of “mass arms trafficking”, they were acquitted of the charge of ISIS connection due to lack of evidence.

The five convicts staying in the close prison for a year applied for transfer to half open prison by showing Adil G.’s house address residing in Maraş.

By taking the time they spent in the prison into consideration, they were transferred to Kocaeli Open Penal Institution.

According to the report of Fevzi Kızılkoyun from Hürriyet daily, Security Directorate Intelligence Bureau warned that the “suspects in question plan to cross into Syria on their day off” and urged to “take necessary measures”.

The prison management and prosecution receiving the notice decided to transfer the five convicts to close prison again.

When stepped into action to perform the decision, it was realized that Gökhan Bulut, İrfan Yıldız, Raşit Karadağ, Serdar Sarıçam and Duran Çoban escaped on May 3.

In order to catch the fugitives, warning notice of “urgent code” has been sent to all security units on border gates and nationwide.

The three fugitives were caught and put in Kocaeli No.2 T Type Close Prison. Searches are ongoing for the other two to be find. (AS/TK)