Police release audio of female claiming responsibility for 1980 assassination – Michmutters
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Australia

Police release audio of female claiming responsibility for 1980 assassination

Police are appealing for information into the assassination of a Turkish diplomat and his bodyguard in Sydney more than four decades ago, releasing audio of a claim of responsibility.

In the recording, a female voice is heard taken responsibility for the deaths of Turkish Consul-General Sarik Ariyak, aged 50, and his bodyguard, Engin Sever, aged 28.

The pair were shot outside a home in Dover Heights about 9:45 a.m. on December 17, 1980.

No-one has ever been charged over the murders, and a $1 million reward is on offer for anyone who can provide information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Turkish diplomat Sarik Ariyak, 50, and his bodyguard, Engin Sever, 28, were assassinated on a Sydney street in 1980. (NSW Police)
A policemen stands guard over the with Consuler Corps license plates which was being driven by the bodyguard.  December 17, 1980.
A police officer stands guard over slain consular bodyguard Engin Sever’s car on December 17, 1980. (Alan Gilbert Purcell/Fairfax Media)

The female voice claims the assassination was done on behalf of “of the Justice Commandos of the Armenian Genocide.”

The assassination of Ariyak and Sever was the first international politically motivated attack on Australian soil.

Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, has urged the community to listen to the recording intently as investigators are also seeking assistance to decipher inaudible words spoken after: “The authors of…”

Sarik Ariyak and his wife Demet.
Sarik Ariyak and his wife Demet, who witnessed the assassination from the driveway of her home. (Barry James Gilmour/Fairfax Media)

“Identifying the female through her voice – or recognizing any indecipherable words in the audio – will greatly assist us with this investigation,” Walton said.

“Police have strong reason to believe that there are members of the public who are aware of who this person is, and we urge them to come forward.

“While we continue this investigation, we suspect there are people who know exactly what happened that day but have not yet been willing to speak with authorities.

“We’d like to hear from these people as soon as possible, as well as anyone whose memory may be refreshed by the audio we’ve released – no matter how insignificant the information may seem, it could be invaluable to the investigation.”

Two men are wanted over the assassination of Turkish diplomat Sarik Ariyak in 1980. (NSW Police)
Then federal treasurer, John Howard addresses the service for Sarik Ariyak and his bodyguard at the Turkish consulate in Woollahra.  December 24, 1980.
Then federal treasurer, John Howard addresses the service for Sarik Ariyak and his bodyguard at the Turkish consulate in Woollahra on December 24, 1980. (Adrian GreerMichael Short/Fairfax Media)

Ariyak and Sever were killed as they left the residence in separate vehicles.

Police said they were approached by two men who fired “multiple shots at close range”.

They fled the scene on a motorbike.

Ariyak died on the scene and Sever passed away a short time later at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Esslemont investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or here.

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