NAIROBI, Kenya — A Nairobi court has deferred a ruling on an application by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) seeking to detain refugee Mustafa Güngör for a further 15 days to allow continued investigations.
Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage, sitting at the Kahawa Anti-Terrorism Court, said he would deliver his decision on Tuesday, December 30, after hearing arguments from both sides.
During the hearing, Güngör’s lawyers, supported by Amnesty International Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya, and Global Peace Foundation representatives, opposed the request, arguing that extended pre-trial detention would be excessive and unjustified.
They told the court that Güngör is a recognised refugee who has lived in Kenya for more than 15 years, has no criminal record, and has fully cooperated with investigators since his arrest on December 20.
The defence maintained that there was no evidence he posed a flight risk or had interfered with investigations.
Despite the objections, the court ordered that Güngör remain in custody pending the ruling, but allowed family visitation.
He is to be produced in court on December 30 for the final determination on whether investigators will be granted additional time to hold him.
The case has drawn public attention amid concerns raised by human rights groups over the risk of refoulement, with Amnesty International warning that Güngör could face persecution or ill-treatment if returned to Türkiye, in violation of Kenya’s obligations under international refugee and human rights law.
