Politics Raid against PKK in Turkey - opposition members among those arrested
Turkish police have arrested numerous people in nationwide raids. According to the opposition, they include politicians, artists and journalists.
18.02.2025, 13:04
18.02.2025, 13:05
SDA
A spokeswoman for the pro-Kurdish Dem party told the news agency DPA that at least 29 people had been taken into custody during the morning police operation, including party members. The opposition newspaper "Cumhuriyet" reported 52 arrests. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, on the other hand, spoke of raids against the banned Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK), which is listed as a terrorist organization.
In the last five days, 282 PKK members had been arrested in nationwide operations, Yerlikaya announced on the X platform. Weapons were also confiscated in the process.
The Turkish government sees the pro-Kurdish Dem party as an extension of the PKK and accuses parts of the opposition of terrorist links, which it rejects.
Pressure on the opposition in Turkey is growing
In recent weeks, the authorities have frequently taken action against members of the opposition. Mayors have been removed from office on terrorism charges and politicians have been arrested.
This morning's raids come at a politically sensitive time. It is expected that the imprisoned leader of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Abdullah Öcalan, will soon call for an end to the decades-long conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state. "It is obvious that the prospect of a solution and peace is depriving some people of sleep," said the Dem with a view to possible negotiations. Every day there are attacks against those who want peace.
