Bodyguards of Erdoğan’s daughter replaced over threat

ANKARA

All bodyguards of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s family, including those of his daughter, have been replaced following claims about an assassination plot, Turkish media reported on Feb. 24.

Last week, the Ankara Chief Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation after claims about an assassination plot targeting the president’s daughter, Sümeyye Erdoğan, were published in pro-government media.

The president then referred to threats against himself and his family, including his daughter. Daily newspaper Sabah reported on Feb. 24 that what Erdoğan referred to as “precautions” amounted to the complete change of his daughter’s security detail.

“Members from the Special Forces of the police have been added to the team. Similar steps have been taken to protect the other members of the family,” Sabah added.

It has been speculated in recent weeks that Sümeyye Erdoğan could run for office for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the upcoming general elections in June.