German PYD suspect arrested in Turkey’s southeast
ŞIRNAK – Anadolu Agency
A German national suspected of links to the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) was arrested in southeastern Turkey on March 27, security sources said.
Patrick Kraicker, 28, was detained on March 14 in the Silopi district of the southeastern Şırnak province while trying to enter Syria, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
During the detention, police also reportedly seized various documents, digital materials, and photos related to the PYD.
When questioned by police, Kraicker reportedly said he had been in the German army for four years and wanted to go to Syria to join the PYD.
Kraicker was remanded on charges of assisting and abetting the PYD.
It was also reportedly confirmed that the suspect had entered Turkey twice.
Turkey views the PYD and its armed wing, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), as terrorist groups for their links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
