35 detained in KCK operations in East

VAN / IĞDIR - Anatolia News Agency

A group of people, including Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputy Özdal Uçer (2nd R) protest the detentions under the KCK operation in Van. DHA photo

At least 35 people were detained yesterday in the eastern provinces of Van and Iğdır as part of operations in the ongoing Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) case.

Van Police Department’s anti-terror unit detained 21 people, including Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) provincial chair Yakup Ataş, on accusations that they are members of the KCK, the alleged urban wing of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

Police operations and searches were continuing, meaning the number of detainees could increase, according to reports.Police also raided the home of Van Deputy Mayor Sabri Abi while he was in Ankara. Abi’s testimony will be taken after he returns to Van, according to reports. Meanwhile, anti-terror units launched simultaneous operations in the eastern province of Iğdır yesterday morning, detaining 14 people, including provincial council chair Cengiz Savaş and BDP Deputy Mayor Elif Dağgül.