3 People Arrested in Malatya in ‘Social Media’ Operation

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Three people have been arrested in Malatya due to their social media posts about Afrin operation.

Charged with “sharing posts that defame Operation Olive Branch”, “sharing posts that promote terrorist organization PKK and its Syrian offshoot PYD/YPG”, five people were detained by the Directorate of Anti-Terror Branch teams on Wednesday January 24). Criminal Judgeship of Peace ruled for three of the five detainees to be arrested, the other two were released on probation.

Six people who were detained due to their social media posts about Afrin operation were arrested in Ardahan, Zonguldak and Balıkesir.

At least 150 detentions in 31 cities

According to a report by state-run Anadolu Agency yesterday, 150 people were detained during the operations carried out in 31 cities. 11 of them were arrested; seven three of whom on probation were released. The rest of the detainees are still in the police stations. 

As part of the “social media operation” carried out in the last week, HDP Muğla Provincial Co-Chair Fatoş Ay, HDP member Mehmet Polat and retired teacher Ali Ulvi Oğur in Kayseri were arrested.

13 people were detained during police intervention in protest staged in Kadıköy, İstanbul on January 21 upon call of Peace Bloc and Anti-War Coordination against the military operation launched into Afrin. 11 of them were arrested. (AS/TK)