Aziz Aslan
June 26, 2020•Update: June 26, 2020
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey
A total of 44 suspects were arrested in Turkey on Friday over their alleged links to the PKK terror group, including former mayors from the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).
The arrests were made following security forces’ raids in the provinces of Diyarbakir, Istanbul, Izmir, Batman, and Sanliurfa after judicial authorities issued arrest warrants for 64 suspects.
The warrants were issued in line with an investigation launched by prosecutors in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir based on the names listed in organization-related documents of the Democratic Society Congress (DTK), a group linked to the terrorist PKK.
Among those arrested were Mehmet Demir and Naside Toprak, suspended HDP mayors, and other HDP provincial and district officials.
The HDP has also been accused by Turkey’s government of links to the PKK.
Security forces are seeking the remaining suspects.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.
* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas
