Turkey remands 13 for promoting PKK/KCK on social media

By Yusuf Koyun

ADANA, Turkey (AA) – At least 13 suspects were remanded in custody in Turkey for promoting the PKK/KCK terrorist group’s propaganda on social media, judicial sources said Monday.

In southern Adana province, nine suspects were arrested as part of an investigation by prosecutors of PKK/KCK supporters, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The suspects were referred to a court in Adana, where five of them were remanded in custody for writing terrorist group propaganda and inciting public hatred and enmity.

Three of the suspects were punished with house arrest while one was released under judicial control.

Separately, in the northeastern province of Ardahan, out of six suspects arrested, four were remanded in custody for publishing terrorist group propaganda while the other two were released under judicial control.

In the northwestern province of Sakarya, four suspects were remanded for spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh terrorists from Afrin in northwestern Syria.

The Turkish General Staff has said the Afrin operation is aimed at establishing security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as protecting Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.

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

The military also said "utmost care and sensitivity" is being put on avoiding harm to civilians.

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