Turkish authorities to review release of pope-plot man

Turkey’s justice minister today said authorities would review the release from prison of the Turkish gunman who shot Pope John Paul II in 1981.

Justice Minister Cemil Cicek ordered a review of the complicated case, saying he wanted to make sure that there were no errors.

Mehmet Ali Agca was released from prison today after serving 25 years in Italy and Turkey for the plot against the pontiff and the killing of a Turkish journalist.

To the cheers of nationalist supporters, a white car whisked Agca – whose attempt to assassinate the pope gained notoriety for himself and shame for his homeland – through the gates of the high-security Kartal Prison as dozens of police officers stood guard.

Agca (aged 48), wearing a bright blue sweater and jeans, was freed five years after Italy – where he had served 20 years in prison – pardoned him and extradited him to Turkey.

“We are happy. We endlessly thank the Turkish state,” said his brother, Adnan Agca, as curious residents of nearby apartment buildings peered down from their windows and balconies.

As the car carrying Agca to freedom pulled away from the prison, his supporters showered it with red and yellow flowers.

Agca’s lawyer, Mustfa Demirbag, was taking the gunman to a military recruitment centre and to a military hospital, a routine procedure.

Agca shot the pope as he rode in an open car in St Peter’s Square in Rome on May 13, 1981, and was captured immediately.

John Paul was hit in the abdomen, left hand and right arm, but recovered because Agca’s bullets missed vital organs.

Two years after the shooting, the pope met Agca in prison and forgave him.