Life sought for 2016 Istanbul terror attacks suspects

By Melike Gallenkus and Basak Akbulut Yazar

ISTANBUL

Five PKK-affiliated suspects in a 2016 Istanbul terror attack that killed 46 people and injured hundreds are facing multiple life sentences, judicial sources said Wednesday.

Turkish prosecutors’ indictment also called for up to 8,358 years for the same suspects for several other charges, including attempting and aiding in multiple murders, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The twin attacks after a Dec. 10, 2016 football match in Besiktas, Istanbul -- one by a bomb-laden car and the other a suicide bomb -- killed 46 people, including 39 police officers, and injured 243 others.

The 63-page indictment also accuses the suspects of trying to destroy the unity and solidarity of the state.

According to prosecutors, the attack was carried out by the PKK-affiliated TAK terror group and ordered by the PKK high command.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people.

By Melike Gallenkus and Basak Akbulut Yazar

ISTANBUL

Five PKK-affiliated suspects in a 2016 Istanbul terror attack that killed 46 people and injured hundreds are facing multiple life sentences, judicial sources said Wednesday.

The 63-page indictment also accuses the suspects of trying to destroy the unity and solidarity of the state.

According to prosecutors, the attack was carried out by the PKK-affiliated TAK terror group and ordered by the PKK high command.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people.