7 arrested, 8 released amid Turkish televangelist probe

By Muhammed Enes Can and Murat Kaya

ISTANBUL (AA) - An Istanbul court has ordered the arrest of seven suspects as part of an ongoing probe into controversial Turkish televangelist Adnan Oktar, judicial sources said on Wednesday.

Eight other suspects, including Oktar’s brother Kenan Oktar, were released from custody under judicial control, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Oktar was remanded in July along with 168 others for allegedly committing numerous crimes.

His group has been accused of crimes including establishing a criminal organization, child sexual abuse, sexual intercourse with a minor, kidnapping, violating tax law, and violating the anti-terrorism law.

Oktar's TV channel broadcast his shows on religious and social issues surrounded by women he referred to as his “kittens".