Two FETÖ Suspects Arrested in Istanbul Operation
In a recent operation conducted by Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office’s Terrorism Crimes Investigation Bureau, two suspects linked to the terrorist organization FETÖ were arrested. The operation targeted the clandestine structures of FETÖ within the police and military. A total of 11 suspects were taken into custody during simultaneous raids on 15 different addresses.
Following the completion of necessary procedures at the police station, four of the suspects were released under the effective repentance regulations, while one suspect was set free due to undergoing cancer treatment. The remaining six suspects underwent health checks before being transferred to Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan.
Once at the courthouse, the six suspects were brought before prosecutors for questioning, after which they were referred to the duty magistrate. The Istanbul Duty Criminal Court of Peace decided to detain two of the suspects, impose judicial control measures in the form of “house arrest” on one suspect, and release three others under judicial control measures that include signing in regularly.
Investigation into FETÖ’s Presence in Istanbul
The operations targeting FETÖ’s clandestine structures within the security forces and military have been ongoing for years, as the organization is considered a significant threat to national security in Turkey. FETÖ, led by the U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gülen, has been accused of orchestrating the failed coup attempt in July 2016, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and widespread destruction.
The Turkish government has since taken decisive steps to root out FETÖ’s influence and dismantle its network across various sectors of society, including the judiciary, education, and media. The arrests made in Istanbul are part of these ongoing efforts to combat the terrorist organization and hold its members accountable for their actions.
Legal Process and Judicial Decisions
Upon being presented to the duty magistrate at the Istanbul Courthouse, the suspects faced questioning regarding their alleged involvement in FETÖ’s activities. Based on the evidence and testimonies collected during the investigation, the court made decisions regarding the detention and release of the suspects.
Two of the suspects were deemed to pose a significant flight risk or threat to public safety and were therefore ordered to be detained pending trial. One suspect was placed under house arrest, which entails restrictions on their movements and activities while awaiting trial. The remaining three suspects were released under judicial control measures, which require them to adhere to certain conditions set by the court, such as regular check-ins with authorities.
The legal process surrounding terrorism-related cases in Turkey is complex and rigorous, reflecting the government’s commitment to combating threats to national security. Suspects are entitled to legal representation and due process rights, ensuring a fair and transparent judicial process.
In conclusion, the arrests made in Istanbul as part of the operation targeting FETÖ’s structures within the security forces and military highlight the ongoing efforts to dismantle the organization and hold its members accountable for their actions. The legal process surrounding the suspects’ detention and release underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law in combating terrorism and ensuring justice for all.
