Stories from Istanbul · Turkey

Beşiktaş will face Burck in the second match of the Euro Cup final series tonight at 20:30. If the series reaches a 2-2 tie, the final match will be played in Istanbul with Fenerbahçe holding the home advantage. The third and potentially fourth matches could be held in Lithuania.

Coded messages reveal allegations that Gülistan Dokun was organizedly eliminated. Retired homicide detective Savaş Kurt discussed the case with a CNN Türk reporter, noting that the killer has not been found since the incident occurred.

Correspondence has emerged between Celal Altaş and his son Umut Altaş, a fugitive key figure in the investigation into the murder of Gülistan Doku.

Turkish authorities arrested dozens of journalists, opposition figures, and union leaders in Istanbul ahead of May 1. Euro-news reported nearly 40 arrests occurred in the city. The source noted that such arrests are a frequent occurrence in the country.

Investigators have taken a new step in the 26-year-old investigation into the 2000 murder of 15-year-old Çağla Tuğaltay in Istanbul's Şişli district. Three separate DNA samples have been discovered, suggesting more than one person may be involved. Authorities have requested to exhume the graves of four deceased individuals to compare DNA with samples from Tuğaltay. Three distinct DNA profiles have been identified, suggesting the involvement of multiple individuals rather than a single killer. The investigation seeks to determine if these profiles link to the unsolved homicide. Twelve suspects have been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation into the 26-year-old cold case has reached a new stage following these findings. Tuğaltay was killed in her home in Şişli, Istanbul, in 2000 when she was 15 years old.

The suspects face charges of publicly insulting law enforcement and inciting hatred and hostility toward the public. Each suspect could face up to five years in prison.

DNA profiles were extracted from fingernail samples obtained during the Çağlatu Altay murder investigation. Modern technology allows for DNA profiling even from ancient skeletons or decomposed remains, according to a report on the investigation into a young woman who disappeared six years ago in Gülistan. The case, initially treated as a suicide, has transitioned into a homicide investigation. While the death was initially reported as a suicide, the case has since transitioned into a murder investigation. The source noted that even after many years, DNA may be obtainable from remains depending on environmental conditions such as rainfall and soil organisms. The investigation is looking into a specific area identified as a void in the ground. Gendarmerie reports found oxidation and rust levels significantly above normal in the soil at the scene.

A fugitive suspect, Umut Altaş, has threatened to contact prosecutors to reveal information if his financial demands are not met.

The Borsa Istanbul (BIST 100) has been recognized as a stock exchange by the United Kingdom's HM Revenue and Customs. Approximately 40 people, including journalists, opposition members, and dissidents, were arrested in Istanbul ahead of May Day demonstrations. Police conducted searches at an attorney's residence and the offices of opposition newspapers. The Procurdem party, the third largest force in parliament, denounced the operations as targeting the left and socialists. The demonstrations are traditionally subject to intense police surveillance.

Fruit and vegetable prices in Turkish markets have decreased compared to previous weeks, according to Yüksel Tavşan, President of the Turkish Fruit Buyers Federation. The price drop follows a reduction in frost risk and warmer weather, which has increased product supply. The source noted that the abundance of products is reflecting in market prices. Increased product availability and higher supply levels have led to a decrease in fruit prices in Turkey.