16 detained over alleged links to DHKP/C

BURSA – Doğan News Agency

File photo shows a previous raid in Ankara. DHA Photo

16 people were detained over alleged links to the outlawed Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) as result of morning raids in western province of Bursa. 

Security officials picked up the suspects over a range of simultaneous raids in the city. Six of the detained 16 are women, Doğan news agency reported. 

The suspects, accused of membership to the outlawed leftists, were taken to Bursa police directorate to undergo questioning. Forces also confiscated books, magazines and CDs at the suspects’ home, allegedly with connections to the organization. 

Officials are considering asking for additional time from the prosecutor in order to further question the suspects, the report said. 

The DHKP/C claimed responsibility for the Feb. 1 suicide attack targeting the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, which killed Akarsu, as well as the attacker, Ecevit Şanlı. Security forces have been intensifying raids on locations linked to the organization since the bombing.

The government has upped operations against the organization ever since, detaining scores of suspects in various cities including İstanbul and Ankara.

Five released in Adana 

Five suspects, who have been arrested previously due to charges related to DHKPC/C were released in the southeastern Adana on June 3, Anadolu agency reported. 

17 suspects have been detained over similar charges, and five were subsequently arrested. June 3 trial however ended with their release, adding up to the remaining 12 suspects, who were also released following detainment.