Falyalı assassination suspects remanded

ÖMER Tunç, Veysel Sare and Musa Çiçek, who have all been in custody at the Girne Police Department for a month in connection with the murder of businessman Halil Falyalı and his driver Murat Demirtaş, were remanded pending trial. Mr Falyalı and Mr Demirtaş were both shot multiple times while driving through the village of Çatalköy on the evening of February 8.

As all three suspects are considered to be escape risks, security measures around them are said to be at their “maximum level”, with dedicated operations surrounding their transport to and from court, as well as a special section being created in Lefkoşa Central Prison for them, and for Mr Falyalı’s two close bodyguards, who are also in custody in connection with the same incident.

During last Friday’s bail hearing held at the Girne District Court, the investigating officer testified that the suspects gave voluntary statements, in which they confirmed that they had connections to the incident. Explaining that the evidence such as the statements provided, the camera footage obtained, transcripts of telephone calls, DNA, and gunpowder residue showed that the suspects were connected to the incident and that they committed the crimes together, the investigating officer said that multifaceted investigations regarding the matter continued. The investigating officer asked that they be remanded in custody at the Central Prison for no longer than three months, and his request was granted by the court.

The state prosecutor indicated that there is evidence showing that Veysel Sare and Ömer Tunç were at the scene and that Musa Çiçek was the lookout. He noted that “premeditated murder” and “murder” are among the most serious crimes under Chapter 154 of the Penal Code. In addition he pointed out that Veysel Sare and Musa Çiçek had entered the TRNC illegally, and suggested that for this reason it should be considered that they have an increased likelihood of attempting to escape.