Some 15 detained over fight at Ankara University campus

ANKARA – Doğan News Agency

DHA Photo

Ankara Police Department Counterterrorism Unit officers detained 15 people in two separate incidents early Feb. 15 as a dispute erupted between the security personnel of an Ankara University campus and a group.

The fight erupted as the group, which came to the gate of the campus early in the morning, did not want to be checked by security personnel. Anti-riot police intervened in the dispute between security personnel of the campus and students, detaining 11, including eight women.  

Anti-riot police officers were present at the scene of the incident as a measure against any demonstrations that might take place due to the 17th anniversary of the capture of Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

In another incident, a group attempted to enter the same campus without undergoing security checks and showing IDs. Police detained four others including three women.  

The detainees were sent to the Ankara Police Department following health checks.

The state-run Anadolu Agency reported that the number of people who were detained over the two incidents was 16.

Öcalan was captured in Nairobi on Feb. 17, 1999, and transferred to Turkey on a flight escorted by Turkish security officials taking comprehensive measures. The militant leader was charged over his role leading the outlawed group in battles against the Turkish state.