Police detain 11 in anti-Gülen probe in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

Eleven suspects were detained on Dec. 19 in Istanbul-based operations targeting alleged members of the Fethullah Terror Organization (FETÖ), headed by the U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen. 

The Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants for 17 suspects accused of being part of the Gülen network, widely believed to be behind the July 15 coup attempt in Turkey. The suspects are also accused of operating as city “imams,” or leaders, for the group, said sources speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.        

So far, 11 of the 17 suspects have been detained by the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Department of the Istanbul police. 

Simultaneous operations in Istanbul, Ankara, Trabzon, Yalova, Kocaeli, Artvin, and Tokat are ongoing.