World · Middle East · 3 hrs ago
Gülazer Akın released after 30 years in prison
Gülazer Akın was released after 30 years in prison in Kayseri, Turkey, on 3 November 2026.
Her release came on the 30th anniversary of her detention in Istanbul on 3 November 1996.
She was later sentenced to life in prison by a State Security Court, according to one account.
Akın studied public administration while in prison and also wrote books.
Her family and supporters met her outside the prison, where she embraced her mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease.
She said she would not feel fully free while others remained in prison, and released white doves as a symbol of peace.
Akın said she supports a newly started political process, but no further steps following her release were reported.
Gülazer Akın was released from Kayseri Bünyan Prison on 3 November 2026 after 30 years in prison.
She was detained in Istanbul on 3 November 1996 and sentenced to life imprisonment by a State Security Court, according to İleri Gazetesi.
Akın was welcomed by family members, supporters and her lawyer, Hevidar Akın.
She said she supported a newly begun political process but did not feel fully free while other prisoners remained in prison.
During her imprisonment, Akın graduated from Anadolu University’s Public Administration department and wrote several books.
- Who
- Gülazer Akın, who had been imprisoned for 30 years.
- What
- She was released from prison.
- When
- 3 November 2026, at around 12:00, according to İlke TV.
- Where
- Bünyan Closed Prison in Kayseri, Turkey.
- Why
- Her 30-year imprisonment ended on the anniversary of her detention. The sources do not state the reason for her release.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Akın was detained in Istanbul.
Akın was released from Bünyan Closed Prison in Kayseri, on the 30th anniversary of her detention.
Akın spoke about freedom and prisoners who remained in prison, then released white doves.
- Detention date
- 3 November 1996
- Release date
- 3 November 2026
- Place of release
- Bünyan Closed Prison, Kayseri
- Sentence
- Life imprisonment, according to İleri Gazetesi
- Education
- Anadolu University, Public Administration department
3 sources
What people are saying
Nothing can be more beautiful than freedom.
I will not feel released as long as even one of our friends remains inside.
Long live freedom!