Narin Güran case is a mess- so far

The family is close to the counter-insurgency establishment in the region. They apparently know how to diverge and disguise a crime. Family members were quick to point out a foreign conspiracy! Besides, continuous leaks to the press make the case complicated and mostly misleading.

The case of Narin Güran, an 8-year-old girl who went missing and was later found dead in Diyarbakır, Turkey, has indeed become complicated with various claims, leaks, and potential misinformation. Here’s what we currently know based on the available information:

Key Facts

• Narin Güran went missing on August 21, 2024, in Diyarbakır’s Tavşantepe village after leaving a Quran course[1][4].

• Her body was discovered on September 8, 2024, 19 days after her disappearance, in a sack hidden in a stream near her village[1][3].

• The autopsy failed to determine an exact cause of death due to the body’s decomposition[4].

Investigation and Arrests

• 26 suspects have been detained in connection with the case[4].

• 11 people are currently in custody, including Narin’s uncle (Salim Güran), mother (Yüksel Güran), and older brother (Enes Güran)[2][4].

• Salim Güran, Narin’s uncle and the village headman, has been charged with “intentional killing” and “deprivation of liberty”[3].

• Nevzat Bahtiyar, a friend of Salim Güran, confessed to disposing of Narin’s body in exchange for money, claiming Salim Güran offered him 200,000 lira to “get rid of” something wrapped in a blanket[4].

Controversies and Concerns

• There are allegations of a potential cover-up, with some drawing parallels to the Susurluk scandal that exposed ties between the Turkish state, organized crime, and paramilitary forces[6].

• Critics argue that the investigation lacks transparency and has been delayed, possibly to protect political allies[6].

• The family at the center of the case is allegedly linked to Hüda-Par, a party with suspected connections to Turkish Hizbullah[6].

• Forensic expert Prof. Şebnem Korur-Fincancı has criticized the lack of thorough investigation and proper handling of forensic evidence[5].

Misinformation and Media Coverage

• There have been instances of premature reporting and speculation before scientific findings were concluded[5].

• The court has made a decision not to disclose information about the ongoing investigation, leading to potential circulation of disinformation[7].

• Media coverage has been criticized for jumping to conclusions and behaving more like detectives than journalists[5].

Government Response

• The Family and Social Services Ministry has announced its involvement in the legal proceedings and promised to ensure justice for Narin[5].

• President Erdoğan has pledged to hold those responsible accountable[3].

It’s important to note that as the investigation is ongoing, new information may emerge, and some current claims may be proven false or inaccurate. The case continues to be a source of public concern and debate in Turkey.

Citations:
1. Bianet – Court Arrests Confessor in Narin Guran Murder Case
2. Duvar English – 8 People, Including Mother, Brother, and Uncle, Arrested in Narin Guran’s Case
3. Yetkin Report – Too Many Narins: Death Exposes Türkiye’s Child Safety Crisis
4. Medyascope – How, Who, and Why Questions Remain Unanswered in the Narin Guran Case
5. Bianet – Forensic Expert Criticizes Lack of Thorough Investigation in Narin Guran Case
6. Medya News – Murder of Narin Guran Raises Suspicions of State Cover-Up
7. Kurdistan24 – Disinformation and False Statements Circulated Regarding Narin’s Tragic Death