Buffalo: Turkish scientist Furkan Dolek has been granted release on $50,000 bail, the Turkish-American National Steering Committee said Wednesday in a press release. Dolek had earlier been reported missing until US authorities confirmed that he was being held at a federal detention facility in the city of Buffalo in upstate New York.
According to Anadolu Agency, the committee, which has been providing legal support to Dolek, welcomed the court's decision, calling it 'an important and positive step for justice and public confidence.' The group expressed confidence that the Turkish-American community would rally to cover the bail amount determined by the court.
In a written message, Dolek described the ruling as 'a ray of hope for justice, solidarity, and the honor of science.' He emphasized that the support he received was not merely personal but also a testament to the broader causes of justice, humanity, and faith in science, stating that every message and gesture of support had been crucial to him.
Following the court's decision, Dolek's family and supporters initiated a fundraising campaign on the online platform GoFundMe to assist in covering the bail money for his release. The campaign statement highlighted the ruling as a reminder of the importance of justice and science, urging contributions to help reinstate Dolek to his scientific work.
Dolek, a Turkish scientist residing in the US, came into the spotlight in March 2024 after raising concerns about potential radioactive hazards at Fermilab in Illinois. His public sharing of these findings led to his dismissal and the revocation of his research visa in April 2024. Despite filing a lawsuit against the visa cancellation, Dolek remained in the US without valid documentation for several months.
In protest, Dolek embarked on a march toward Canada, garnering significant attention on social media, particularly among academic and Turkish-American circles. His disappearance after an August social media post led to inquiries by the Turkish Consulate General in New York City, which confirmed his detention at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility on September 4.