Şafak Akbulut is believed to have been abducted by Gendarmerie officers on 24 November 1999, the day she was released from prison. While in prison she was reportedly pressured to turn state’s witness. Şafak Akbulut had surrendered to the authorities in Tokat, eastern Turkey, some months previously, with Selahattin Günel, and both were charged under Article 146/1 of the Turkish Penal Code, which punishes attempts to overthrow the constitutional order by force, and carries the death penalty.
