Turkish opposition deputy arrested in anti-terror probe

By Fatih Sebzeci and Cagri Oner

ADIYAMAN, Turkey (AA) - An opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) deputy has been arrested in southeastern Turkey on Monday.

Placed under arrest at Adiyaman Airport, Behcet Yildirim had failed to answer a summons linked to a counterterrorism investigation last week.

As part of a terror probe conducted by the Adiyaman prosecutor's office, Yildirim, an MP from Adiyaman province faces charges such as being a member of terror organization and making terror organization propaganda.

In November, 13 HDP lawmakers were also arrested, and 10 of them -- including HDP co-leaders Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag -- remain in custody pending trial on terrorism-related charges.

The lawmakers face prosecution under anti-terrorism legislation after their parliamentary immunity was lifted last March.

Turkey’s government has accused the HDP of having links to the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the EU -- resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July last year and has been responsible for the deaths of more than 1,100 security force members and civilians, including women and children.