Turkey: 4 arrested for alleged terror promotion online

By Gokhan Gocukluoglu

SINOP, Turkey (AA) - Four suspects were arrested in Turkey on Friday for allegedly taking part in an online terrorist PYD/PKK smear campaign against Turkey's ongoing military operation in northwestern Syria, according to security sources.

In the northern Sinop province, counterterrorism police units arrested two suspects in simultaneous operations across the province, said a source on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Arrests warrants against five suspects were issued as part of the province’s chief public prosecutor’s office investigation on posts on social media against the operation and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The other three suspects are abroad, the source added.

In the western province of Balikesir, two suspects, identified by their initials D.A. and K.T, were arrested in the Marmara district.

Separately, a court in central Eskisehir province remanded Sinan N. in custody over the charges of inciting hatred and enmity among people, insulting the president and spreading propaganda for the terror group PKK/KCK.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch along with the Free Syrian Army (FSA) to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.

The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, UN Security Council resolutions, its self-defense rights under the UN charter, and respect for Syria's territorial integrity.