149 People Detained in ‘Social Media’ Operations in 8 Cities

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149 people have been detained due to their social media posts in Kayseri, Muş, Şırnak, Antalya, Manisa, Zonguldak, Kocaeli and İzmir.

There is citizen of Syria Ömer Elsilo among the detainees charged with “propagandizing for the PKK/KCK-YPG/PYD”. Detained by Anti-Terror Branch Directorate in Kayseri today (March 21), Elsilo was taken to Kayseri Security Directorate.

Totally 76 people have been detained by clauses in Anti-Terror Law during operations carried out prior to Newroz celebrations in Şırnak city center and Antalya. Detainees’ homes were searched as well. Those who were detained in the operation yesterday have been taken to provincial security directorates.

11 people three of whom are women have been detained in a second operation launched in Alanya, Antalya. The detainees are charged with “propagandizing against Operation Olive Branch on social media”. The detainees have been taken to Alanya Security Directorate.

University students who criticized Afrin operation are in custody

Manisa Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued detention warrants for 12 suspects on the ground of “propagandizing for PKK/KCK on social media” and “aiding and abating illegal organization members”. 10 of the 12 figures were detained during an operation launched in the city last morning.

Four university students were detained in Zonguldak for “criticizing Afrin operation on social media”. Their homes were searched and a large number of books and journals were seized.

Charged with “providing member for PKK/KCK” and “propagandizing for illegal organization on social media”, nine people have been taken into custody in Kocaeli. Their books, magazines as well as keffiyehs were seized during home search.

33 people were detained in Muş on charges of “propagandizing for a terrorist organization on social media” and “criticizing Operation Olive Branch on social media”. The detainees are also accused of participating in demonstrations and funerals.

12 people who were charged with “organizing illegal march” on behalf of Revolutionist Socialist Labor Movement/Lever (DSİH), and five people who were accused of “propagandizing for leftist terror organizations on social media” were taken into custody in districts of Menemen and Selçuk in İzmir. The detainees have been taken to İzmir SecurityDirectorate Anti-Terror Branch Directorate.

In its statement dated February 26, the ministry declared that 845 people who criticized the Afrin operation on social media and attend critical demonstrations were detained. (AS/TK)