Turkey's Grand National Assembly advocates for sailor Ali Yol's release after nearly four months of detention in Abu Dhabi.
The Turkish Grand National Assembly has intervened on behalf of Turkish sailor Ali Yol, who has been detained in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, for nearly four months. The Foreign Affairs Commission of the Grand National Assembly discussed Yol's legal process and requests for release.
Captain Ali Yol, hailing from the Samandağ district of Hatay, was initially investigated on suspicion of a 'terrorist attack' after the anchor of the ship he was serving on allegedly damaged underwater fiber optic internet cables during a passage through the Red Sea. He was later arrested on charges of 'damaging public property.' His detention period has now lasted approximately four months.
During the Foreign Affairs Commission meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Musa Kulaklıkaya informed members of parliament about the diplomatic initiatives and details of the ongoing process. It was stated that official requests had been made to the Abu Dhabi authorities through diplomatic channels, and efforts were underway for the Turkish Embassy to visit the detained sailor. However, it was expressed that these requests have not yielded results thus far.
In the initial phase of the trial, Captain Yol's requests for release and bail were denied, and it was noted that the case process has been postponed to February 2, 2026. Furthermore, it was reported that the emergence of allegations regarding the 'presentation of false documents for smuggling purposes' related to the ship's cargo has further complicated the legal proceedings.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye