Turkey remands 5 for promoting PYD/PKK on social media

By Durmus Genc

MUGLA, Turkey (AA) - Five suspects were remanded in custody in Turkey for promoting the PYD/PKK terrorist group’s propaganda on social media against Turkey’s ongoing military operation in northwestern Syria, according to a judicial source on Monday.

In western Mugla province, seven suspects were arrested as a part of investigation launched against PYD/PKK promoters by Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in the city.

Six of the suspects were referred to a court in Mugla where five of them were remanded in custody for “making propaganda of terrorist group”, and “inciting hatred and enmity among people and humiliating them”.

One of them was released under judicial control.

Also, Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in capital Ankara issued an arrest warrant for Osman Baydemir, lawmaker of Peoples' Democratic Party in southeastern Sanliurfa.

Baydemir is accused of “inciting hatred and enmity among people and humiliating them”, “insulting Turkish society, government of the Republic of Turkey, state’s institutions and organs” and “inciting fight against the government”, according to a statement by the office in Sanliurfa.

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

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 care and sensitivity" was being shown to avoid harm to any civilian.

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.