‘43 People Found to Have Links with FETÖ in İstanbul Local Election Investigation’

* Photograph: Anadolu Agency

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It has been claimed that in the investigation launched against balloting committee chairs and members for allegedly having committed irregularities in March 31 Local Elections, 43 people are found to have links with the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), which is held accountable for the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2015.

As reported by state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), in the investigation launched against balloting committee chairs and members for having allegedly committed irregularities in counting the votes and entering the results, the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has reached the information that the suspects have relations with the FETÖ.

The following points have been put forward as evidence for the alleged links with the FETÖ: "It has been detected that 2 of 43 suspects are users of ByLock [an encrypted communication software allegedly used by FETÖ members]. It has been identified that 41 people deposited money into Bank Asya [a bank allegedly affiliated with the FETÖ], two people are members of a union sponsored by the FETÖ and one person has Social Security Institution (SGK) register in a company sponsored by the FETÖ."

32 separate investigations were launched

Upon the criminal complaints filed on the allegation that irregularities were committed in local elections in the districts of Maltepe, Ataşehir and Kadıköy, 32 separate investigations were launched into the allegations and it was reported that the investigations were opened upon the allegation of "organized irregularities" raised by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

It is expected that the Supreme Election Council (YSK) will announce its ruling regarding İstanbul local elections today (May 6). (AÖ/SD)

CLICK - 32 Separate Investigations into Irregularities in İstanbul Local Election