Celikgogus family say their son is innocent

The Celikgogus family live in the Karasu district of Skarya and felt sorrow that their son was in the prison camp in Cuba.

Hanife Celikgogus, the mother, said that his son was running a workshop and purchased a car in dollars, but his debt rose to TL 15 billion due to the economic crisis in 2001. "His work did not go well. He said he had to go abroad to pay for his debts. He went abroad only to earn money," said his mother.

His mother said that he sent a range of letters and his last letter to his wife said, "I was misunderstood by the Americans. I came here just to earn money. I believe that my innocence will be proved. I am healthy."

His mother said that Yuksel’s wife was suffering from diabetes, "We live together with my son’s three daughters. We look after his daughters. They all miss their father. I hope officials will be concerned on the issue and my son will return home."

Songul Celikgogus, sister of Yuksel, said that her brother has been in the prisoner camp for years and this was against human rights.

Haydar Celikgogus, Yuksel’s brother, said that they sent an e-mail to U.S. officials and they said in their reply that a new judicial delegation was sent to the prison camp.

Murat Kurnaz, Nuri Mert, Salih Uyar, Mesut Sen, Ibrahim Sen, Mustafa Eksi and Turgut Uzel have been in the U.S. prison camp in Cuba together with Celikgogus.