NJ Dad's Update: March 2008
Thank all of you for your kind wishes, donations, and support.
Much has happened since I posted my original story. After exchanging e-mails with various Turkish lawyers I settled upon council. Luckily the lawyer I picked, Serdar Kelahmet of Iskenderun, happens to be very competent and a genuine nice guy. Mr. Kelahmet, along with the American embassy and the Turkish authorities, was able to open up my Hague case.
I had my first hearing 11/27/07. I also was able to see my son for about 5 minutes in the hallway of the court building. He remembered me and called me daddy and wanted to be held. It was very emotional and quite a few people in the court started crying to see me and my son together after 6 months apart.
Keeping with the spirit of the Hague the Turkish Family Court in Istanbul put my case on the fast track. My second hearing was held on 1/15/08. I was granted the right to see my son on Saturday and Sunday when I was in Istanbul. The embassy and the Turkish authorities were very helpful. Since I was not allowed to see my son alone they set up a safe place for all parties to get together. I saw my son for about 4 hours total and it was one of the happiest and saddest times of my life.
My last hearing in the Family Court was 2/29/08. My lawyer laid out my case perfectly and the judge was fair and just. I was victorious in that court. My ex-wife now gets the chance to appeal to the Supreme Court of Turkey. Pending her appeal she continues to keep my son kidnapped in Turkey, but the wheels of justice are moving. I did not get to see Khan during my last visit, but that is a game my ex knows well. I was told he was too sick to see me so that took some of the joy out of my victory.
I am awaiting word on when my next trial is scheduled. My lawyer advises that the appeal process may take 6-8 months in total. It has been 11 months since my son was kidnapped so I try to look at like my ordeal is more than half finished.
Thank all of you again for all your support and interest in Khan and my story.
Sincerely,
Khan's Dad