3725)Video: $1M Reward Offer Almost 40 Years After Turkish Diplomat Was Gunned Down In Sydney, Nine News Australia

By Sarah Swain
Dec 17, 2019

. . .

Mr Ariyak and Mr Sever were leaving the building in separate cars, when two men fired multiple shots at close range before fleeing on a motorcycle.

Mr Ariyak died at the scene, and Mr Sever died later at St Vincent's Hospital.

Responsibility for the murders was claimed by the Justice Commandos of the Armenian Genocide, but no one has ever been charged.

Almost 80 Turkish diplomats and family members were killed between 1970 and 1990.


Counter terror police are now reviewing the case, and Mr Ariyak's daughter, Çagla, travelled to Sydney to announce the reward.

Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, said the sum is the first in relation to a terrorism act.

"The assassination of Sarik Ariyak and Engin Sever was the first international politically-motivated attack on Australian soil, and responsibility was quickly claimed by a terrorist group," he said.

"Both state and federal police put some of their best officers on the job to investigate the murders, which included crime scene experts using the most advanced forensic technology available at the time.

Police are offering a $1m reward for information into the gunning down of a Turkish diplomat and his bodyguard in Sydney, almost four decades on. (Nine)

"We suspect there are people who know intimate details about the planning and preparation – and likely the identity of the men on the motorcycles – but may be afraid, or hesitant, to share that information with investigators.

"This is the first time Çagla has been back to Sydney since the murders, and we are pleased to have her here, not only to honour her father's memory, but also to help us uncover the truth.

"Both Mr Ariyak and Mr Sever's families have lived almost 40 years without knowing who is responsible for their murders – and I hope this reward can help to bring them the answers they have been seeking."
Anyone with should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Source


.