Turkey: Gulen-linked executives remanded in custody

By Mustafa Onal

KAYSERI, Turkey

Three executives of a Turkish holding linked to the July 15 failed coup were remanded in custody in central Kayseri province early Monday, a judicial source told Anadolu Agency.

Three executives of Boydak Holding -- Sukru Boydak, Ilyas Boydak and Bekir Boydak -- were remanded in custody, while a local court in Kayseri ordered the release of the holding's Board Chairman, Mustafa Boydak and another executive Halit Bayhan under judicial control, the source, who spoke condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to talk to the media, said.

An international travel ban was also imposed on Mustafa Boydak and Halit Bayhan.

The five suspects had been detained on the grounds they were members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization and had allegedly financially supported the banned group.

An arrest warrant for the company’s former Chairman Haci Boydak was also issued.

According to the Boydak Holding website, the family-based consortium was established in 1957 and has interests in furniture, textiles, chemicals, marketing, logistics and energy. Its 42 companies employ more than 14,000 staff.

Turkey survived a deadly coup attempt on July 15 by rogue elements within the military that killed more than 230 people and injured nearly 2,200 others.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the coup attempt was organized by U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen and his Fetullah Terrorist Organization.

Gulen is accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.