Operation against journalists, politicians and NGOs in İstanbul

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In operations carried out in İstanbul in early morning hours today (November 26), 19 people, including journalists, politicians and representatives of non-governmental organizations, have been detained.

There are reportedly warrants against 25 people as part of an investigation conducted by the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The police raided 28 addresses in different districts in İstanbul.

While Şişli Vice Mayor Cihan Yavuz is also among the detained, the ones taken into custody are still held in the security directorate.

As of 11.30 a.m. today, the following people were detained:

Şişli Vice Mayor Cihan Yavuz, Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK) Peoples and Beliefs Assembly member Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar, journalists Davut Uçar and Kesire Önel, Anatolian Association for Aid and Solidarity with the Families Who Lost Their Relatives (ANYAKAY-DER) member Alaattin Altıntaş, Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Üsküdar former Co-Chair Erşan Ongulu, Mehmet Karadağ, Muhsin Demir, Marmara Association for Solidarity with the Families of Arrestees and Convicts (MATUHAYDER) Co-Chair Hüsnü Taş and association executives Muhlis Bozdemir, Nazım Adıgüzel, Yusuf Çelik, Emine Kaya.

Police went to the house of Kesire Önel in Bağcılar; however, unable to find the journalist there, they raided the house of her colleague in Balat. Önel was detained there and it was alleged that there had been a tip-off about her. (HA/SD)