Prosecutor removed was guilty of "abusing his post"

ISTANBUL - Milliyet

Sadrettin Sarıkaya. DHA Photo

Former prosecutor of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) investigation, Sadrettin Sarıkaya, was removed from duty for "abusing his post" and "witholding information from his superior," the daily Milliyet reported.

Sarıkaya had been removed from his post after he had called the National Intelligence Agency (MİT) team that held talks with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to testify in an alleged terror case.

Istanbul's Chief Prosecutor Turan Çolakkadı said the removal happened with his "knowledge and approval."

The reasons for removal were defined as "failure to take the necessary precautions for the confidentiality of the case" and "withholding information about the investigation from his superior." These were "against his instructions," Çolakkadı said.

The former prosecutor was responsible for an investigation into the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) - alleged urban wing of the PKK, and he ordered the Feb 8. detention of four intelligence officers including former MİT chief Emre Taner, former senior official Afet Güneş, and chief assistants Yaşar Yıldırım and Hüseyin Kuzuoğlu. None of whom abided by the order.

İbrahim Işık and Adem Özcan have been chosen to replace Sarıkaya, the report said.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey as well as the United States and the European Union.