section_path: Organization/Reported links with Turkish intelligence
section_name: Reported links with Turkish intelligence
paragraph_text: Reported links with Turkish intelligence
  
  During the controversial Ergenekon trials in Turkey, allegations have been made that the PKK was linked to elements of the Turkish intelligence community.
  
  Şamil Tayyar, author and member of the ruling AK Party, said that Öcalan was released in 1972 after just three months' detention on the initiative of the National Intelligence Organization (Millî İstihbarat Teşkilatı, MİT), and that his 1979 escape to Syria was aided by elements in MİT. Öcalan has admitted making use of money given by the MIT to the PKK, which he says was provided as part of MIT efforts to control him.
  
  Former police special forces member Ayhan Çarkın said that the state, using the clandestine Ergenekon network, colluded with militant groups such as the PKK, Dev-Sol and Turkish Hezbollah, with the goal of profiting from the war.
  
  The secret witness "First Step" testified that General Levent Ersöz, former head of JITEM, had frequent contact with PKK commander Cemîl Bayik.