The discovery of a “death list” in the home of arrested İbrahim Şahin, the former head of the Police Special Operations Department, has led to claims that Alevi community leaders were going to be targeted.
Police protection for Alevi community leaders
Ali Balkız, the president of the Alevi Bektaşi Federation, has been given police protection and will speak to the press today (13 January).
Kazım Genç, the president of the Pir Sultan Abdal Culture Association, was also targeted, as detailed plans found on Şahin’s computer reveal. Genç, too, will organise a press briefing today.
Further targets
According to the Turkish media, further targets for assassinations were the Armenian Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan and the president of the Alevi Cem Foundation, İzzetin Doğan. (EÖ/AG)
