Russian authorities have detained an Azerbaijani citizen suspected of organizing the murder of Turkish lawyer Serdar Oktem, who was shot dead earlier this month in Istanbul.
According to reports in Turkish media, the suspect, identified as Ali Gülmalızada, known by the alias “Alijan Çakır,” was arrested in Moscow on October 23 during a special operation. Russian officials have confirmed that extradition procedures to Turkey are now underway.
Oktem, a well-known attorney, was killed on October 6 after being attacked in his car in Istanbul’s Şişli district. The gunmen reportedly opened fire at close range, leaving him fatally wounded.
The case has drawn significant media attention in both Turkey and Russia, with investigators from both countries said to be cooperating. Turkish law enforcement believes Gülmalızada may have played a coordinating role in organizing the assassination.
Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about his alleged connections or motives, but the arrest marks a key breakthrough in an investigation that has shaken Istanbul’s legal and political circles.
