Operation against politicians, journalists in İstanbul

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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As part of an investigation launched by the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against the Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) and the Socialist Youth Associations Federation (SGFD), the houses of several politicians and journalists were raided in the early morning hours today (October 7).

Several people, including ESP Co-Chair Şahin Tümüklü, SGDF Co-Chair Alev Özkiraz and Etkin News Agency (ETHA) reporter Pınar Gayıp, have been detained. The following people were in custody as of 10.30 a.m. today:

SGDF Co-Chair Alev Özkiraz, SGDF members Ela Deniz Albayrak, Özge Doğan, Nazlı Yöyler, Yaren Tuncer, ETHA reporter Pınar Gayıp, ESP Co-Chair Şahin Tümüklü, ESP members Hüseyin İldan, Çınar Altan, Ömer Sinan, Hıdır Yılmaz, Emrah Topaloğlu, Zeynep Gerçek, İbrahim Gerçek and Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Party Assembly member Helin Yılmaz.

The detained have been reportedly taken to the İstanbul Security Directorate on Vatan Avenue in Fatih district.

'She is detained over journalistic activities'

Later in the day, the ETHA has released a statement and announced that its reporter Gayıp has been detained as part of an investigation launched against her for covering a funeral in Gazi Neighborhood in İstanbul.

According to ETHA's statement, 19 people in total, including Gayıp, have been taken into custody as part of the operation. The detained have been reportedly restricted from meeting their attorneys for 24 hours. (HA/EMK/SD)