Turkey arrests 4 for terror propaganda on social media

By Mustafa Yildirim

IZMIR, Turkey (AA) - At least four people were arrested in western Izmir province for allegedly spreading propaganda of PKK/KCK and DHKP-C terrorist groups on the social media, a police official said on Wednesday.

Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants for seven people, who are accused of spreading propaganda of the terror groups and insulting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the social media, said the official, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.

So far, police have rounded up four people in Menemen, Torbali and Bayindir districts in simultaneous raids. A large number of organizational documents and digital tools were also seized during the operations.

The propaganda against the Turkish military began soon after Turkey launched the military operation in Syria’s northwestern region of Afrin.

PYD/PKK terrorist organization posted fake and distorted photographs on the social media and falsely claimed that they were from Afrin.

On Jan.20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to remove PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorist groups from Afrin.

The Turkish General Staff has said the Afrin operation was aimed at establishing security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as protecting the Syrian people from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

It said the operation was being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law.

The military also said "utmost diligence" was shown to avoid collateral damage to civilians.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012 when the Bashar Assad regime left the city to the terror group without putting up a fight.