26 Gülen-linked ex-judges and prosecutors detained

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

Istanbul prosecutors had issued an arrest warrant for 55 former senior jurists allegedly linked to the Gülen movement who were recently dismissed from their posts, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

All the suspects were charged with being members of “an armed terrorist group” by Istanbul Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor Önder Yaman, who coordinated the investigation.

In addition, at the prosecutors’ request, the court also approved the search and seizure of the suspects' properties and confiscation of any evidence relevant to the crime.

The 29 other suspects are still being sought.

The 55 were among 202 judges and prosecutors dismissed by the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) in Ankara on March 17.

The move is part of an ongoing probe into the defeated coup that left 249 people killed and nearly 2,200 wounded.

Led by U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gülen, FETO is believed of orchestrating Turkey’s July 15, 2016, coup attempt.