Turkey seeks 33 suspects in televangelist probe

By Muhammed Enes Can

ISTANBUL (AA) - Arrest warrants were issued for 33 suspects as part of the ongoing probe into the controversial Turkish televangelist Adnan Oktar, judicial sources said on Monday.

The Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office issued the warrant for the suspects, 23 of total are being sought in the city, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Police squads conducted raids in 11 provinces including Istanbul.

Oktar was remanded on 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".