Key figure in coup attempt freed after 2-day detention: Report

ANKARA

One of the leaders of the July 15 failed coup attempt in Turkey was reportedly kept under detention for two days before he was released, in the wake of the failed seizure of government, believed to have been orchestrated by the followers of U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen.

Previous reports stated that Adil Öksüz, whom the Turkish government declared as the “imam of the Air Force” and a leader of the plot in Turkey, was briefly detained and then released.

“Imam,” which traditionally refers to a religious public worker, is a term used by the Gülenist organization to mark local leadership.

Öksüz was detained on July 16 at Akıncı Air Base, which was used as a center of coordination by the coup plotters on the night of July 15, and was detained for two days, Al Jazeera Turk reported on Aug. 31.

During his detention, it was determined that he went to the U.S. on July 11 and arrived back in Turkey on July 13. He was sent to court on July 18, but was later released due to “the lack of evidence over his Gülen links.”

The judges, who ruled for his release were suspended after their decision.

He is now being sought with an arrest warrant.