19 suspects arrested in Istanbul for PKK/KCK terrorism, street violence plot

Nineteen suspects were arrested in Istanbul on charges of attempting to incite street violence on behalf of the PKK/KCK terrorist organization, following an extensive investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

A total of 38 individuals were detained during the operation.

Arrests following counterterrorism investigation

The suspects were arrested as part of a broader investigation aimed at dismantling PKK/KCK activities and preventing potential violent acts.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, in coordination with the Bureau of Terrorism and Organized Crime, had ordered the detention of 44 individuals. The suspects were accused of operating within the PKK/KCK terrorist group, particularly through its youth wing, with plans to stage street protests, including Molotov cocktail attacks.

Legal proceedings and arrests

After completing initial legal procedures, 38 suspects were transferred to the Istanbul Courthouse. Thirteen suspects were released after providing testimony, while 25 were referred to the Criminal Court of Peace. Nineteen of these suspects were arrested, and six were placed under judicial control.

The investigation revealed that some of the suspects had been trained in rural areas by the PKK/KCK and later sent to Istanbul. Additionally, six suspects were identified as providing financial support to the terrorist organization.

The arrests followed a coordinated series of police operations across multiple locations in İstanbul.