Istanbul terrorism probe: Kartal, Atasehir deputy mayors among those detained
Police officers entering to a building during counterterrorism operation targeting Daesh in Türkiye. (AA Photo)
Authorities in Istanbul have launched a terrorism investigation targeting municipal officials across nine districts, leading to the detention of 10 suspects, including the deputy mayors of Kartal and Atasehir, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced Tuesday.
Wider investigation into alleged terrorism links
The investigation focuses on suspected links between municipal officials and the PKK/KCK terrorist organization, particularly through the terrorist group’s so-called political structure.
Officials suspect the organization sought to expand its influence in major metropolitan areas under the guise of a so-called “urban reconciliation” initiative.
“The operation targeted individuals who assumed influential positions as deputy mayors and municipal council members following the 2024 local elections and are still actively serving in these roles,” the prosecutor’s office stated.
Authorities conducted simultaneous raids across 12 districts on Feb. 11, 2025, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals.
According to officials, law enforcement officers confiscated banned publications, organizational documents, and digital materials belonging to the suspects during the raids.
High-ranking municipal officials among detainees
The detained individuals include:
- Kartal Deputy Mayor C.Y.
- Atasehir Deputy Mayor L.G.
- Uskudar Municipal Council Member B.K.
- Sancaktepe Municipal Council Member E.G.
- Fatih Municipal Council Member G.A.
- Tuzla Municipal Council Member H.O.
- Adalar Municipal Council Member N.A.
- Sisli Municipal Council Member S.G.
- Beyoglu Municipal Council Member T.S.
- I.P., who was found to be in contact with Beyoglu Municipality
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed whether formal charges have been filed. It is learned that the search operations in the office rooms of suspects C.Y. and L.G. and the residences of other suspects continue.
Government crackdown on alleged terrorist activities
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that this operation is part of a larger effort to disrupt PKK/KCK activities in Türkiye’s urban centers.
“The individuals targeted in this operation have been found to be actively involved in political activities within the HDK structure and have been engaging in organizational efforts under the framework of the so-called ‘urban reconciliation’ project,” the statement read.
