Thousands of Phones Allegedly “Tapped” in Turkey

Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office revealed that unregisters phone tappings have been made after Turkey’s graft probe detentions in December 15 and 25. 

An investigation has been launched by prosecutors who have assigned to Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan district.  

According to an article by Yeni Şafak newspaper, a prosecutor investigation resulted in the seizing of phone call logs belonging to t least 3,064 people and an investigation draft wtih 125 folder volume. 

Star newspaper, on the other hand, alleged that the toll was much higher exceeding 7,000. 

Yeni Şafak stated that the investigation began with a 4-page anonymous complaint letter by the order of former special prosecutor Adnan Çimen.   

Later on, prosecutor Adnan Özcan has been assigned to the case according to Turkey’s Anti Terror Act Article 10. 

The tappings have allegedly been made according to Investigation Number 2011/762 against the “Selam Terror Organization”, which started in 2011. 

Yeni Şafak claimed that PM Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Secretary Hakan Fidan listen among those whose phones have been tapped. 

Other notable people included NGO representatives, journalists, authors, academics, business people, politicians, headquarters of media outlets and political parties as well as bank branches. 

According to that, the aforementioned people’s phones have been tapped within December 17 and 25 investigations, as well as Gezi Park protests. (AS/BM)