As Turkey continues to reel in fugitive disciples of Fethullah Gulen, the Pennsylvania-based Sunni cleric accused of masterminding the July 15 coup attempt, a key suspect remains on the run: Adil Oksuz, an obscure theology professor who is now being touted by the ruling pro-Justice and Development Party (AKP) media as the top civilian organizer of the putsch inside Turkey.
Like much else about the attempted takeover, Oksuz’ case remains shrouded in mystery. He was detained by gendarmerie forces on July 16 near the Akinci air base in Ankara on suspicions of participating in the coup. During his interrogation Oksuz denied any involvement, saying he had never set foot in Akinci, which served as the operational headquarters of the putschists. Oksuz was then released on strict condition that he not leave the country and has not been heard from since.
