CHANGES HEAD, DECK, LEDE, ADDS DETAILS
By Emrah Gokmen and Basak Akbulut Yazar
ISTANBUL (AA) - Seventeen suspects in Sunday's terror attack in Istanbul were referred to the court for remanding in custody.
Forty-nine suspects, who were transferred to the courthouse after completing procedures at the police station, were questioned by 29 public prosecutors at the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Following deposition proceedings, the prosecutor's office referred 17 suspects, including Ahlam Albashir, the PKK terrorist who confessed to planting a bomb on Istiklal Avenue.
The suspects are accused of "destroying the unity and integrity of the state", "deliberate killing", "deliberately attempting to kill" and "deliberately aiding murder.”
The prosecutor's office deported 29 suspects.
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office continued its investigation Thursday into the weekend bombing that claimed six lives and injured 81. Two of the victims are in critical condition, according to security sources who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
Albashir said she lost touch with her boyfriend but she has maintained her connection with the terror group ever since.
Security forces determined that Ferhat H, the owner of a workshop in Istanbul's Esenler district, where Albashir and fugitive suspect Bilal H. stayed, was also linked to the terror organization.
Ferhat H. made terror propaganda through his social media account and hosted Albashir and Bilal H. at his house on instructions by the terror group, said sources.
*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz and Gozde Bayar