Asuman Aranca Kol reflects on her award-winning work, the risks of investigative journalism, and the enduring fight for justice
Asuman Aranca Kol, a journalist with nearly 15 years of experience as a court reporter, has dedicated her career to identifying stories that others might overlook. Her award-winning investigation into the murder of Sinan Ateş, the former president of the Grey Wolves, Turkish far-right paramilitary group, exemplifies the rigor and perseverance that define her work.
The case initially appeared to be another “ordinary” court matter. However, Asuman was immediately struck by its remarkable and shocking elements – Ateş’s identity, the murder in broad daylight, the method of the attack, and its location in Ankara’s Cukurambar District, a highly secure area near the AKP Headquarters and the US Embassy.
The scale of the issue became clear when reports emerged that Ateş had been labeled a dissident and had known he was at risk. Coupled with evidence of political connections behind the attack, it became apparent that this was a multidimensional story that needed to be investigated for the sake of journalism, she recalls.
From the very beginning, Asuman understood the importance of handling the case with precision.
Monitoring developments at the Ankara courthouse, she meticulously verified allegations through trusted sources and official documents. Her determination and careful approach allowed her to access critical information, even as many investigative files were challenging to obtain.
Asuman says that when she faced difficulties accessing sources, some individuals, concerned that the case would be closed without holding the real perpetrators accountable, reached out to her directly or indirectly, which allowed her to obtain information both behind the scenes and on the developments reflected in the case file at the time.
One of her most significant discoveries was an expert report revealing that Ateş’s address had been requested by the president of the Grey Wolves.
“This was the most critical document in the investigation,” Asuman explains. She also observed the shadow of political influence throughout the case, noting how changes in prosecutors and crises around detentions disrupted the process.
The publication of her article had an immediate and profound impact. It sparked public outrage, dominated media discussions, and even influenced political conversations. However, Asuman soon faced repercussions.
“An investigation into my article was launched almost immediately, and a lawsuit was filed against me before the murderers were brought to justice. At the first hearing, the prosecutor demanded my conviction for allegedly breaching confidentiality,” she reveals.
Despite these challenges, no significant action has been taken against those implicated in her reporting. Instead, individuals who brought attention to the case have been openly threatened, illustrating the risks journalists face in such high-stakes investigations.
Asuman remains steadfast in her commitment to investigative journalism, continuing to track similar cases.
“Such files require long research and careful documentation before they can turn into articles. I will keep writing as my work progresses,” she says.
Reflecting on her experiences, Asuman offers advice to aspiring journalists: “Working on politically and judicially sensitive topics requires mastery of the subject, access to reliable sources, and thorough fact-checking. These processes are demanding and time-consuming but are essential to investigative journalism. Patience is key, as is being prepared for potential lawsuits”, she concluded.
