61 officers detained in 'parallel state' investigation
00:00, 22/07/2014, TuesdayU: Update: 12:34, 22/07/2014, Tuesday
Yeni Şafak
61 officers detained in 'parallel state' investiga
61 police officers were detained in the first wave of the investigation into the parallel state, says police sources
At least 61 high-ranking officers were detained in simultaneous raids in an ongoing probe into massive wiretapping claims.
The officers from Istanbul's organized crime unit conducted searches at a number of police officers' homes during the operations, launched at 01:50 am on Tuesday.
The police took 41 officers into custody in connection with the inquiry of a probe related to the Selam terrorist organization, while 15 others were detained on charges of spying and illegal wiretapping. The indictment said the suspects were involved in fraud in official documents, spying and violation of privacy. Istanbul public chiefs Irfan Fidan and Okan Güzelsoy have been leading the first wave of the investigation into the parallel state.
The detainees were taken to Haseki hospital at 03:30 am for medical checks. Detention orders were given for a total of 200 suspects.
The former chief of counter terrorism department and riot police unit's head were detained in two separate dawn raids in the eastern province of Van. A police officer from Bitlis is reportedly being detained over the operation conducted in 22 provinces. The three officers under custody will be dispatched to Istanbul after their questioning at the police headquarter.
In the western province of Izmir, a recently assigned deputy inspector was detained in Tuesday's detention wave. The officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, will be dispatched to Istanbul after his questioning.
In the southern province of Antalya, a 28-year-old police officer from the criminal department, named Mehmet Ö, was detained at his home concerning the Istanbul-centered operation against the parallel structure. The suspect, who has been working in this city for two years, will be sent to Istanbul after a medical check.
The simultanious operations are considered to be related to the government's fight against the Gülen-led illicit organization, which has been accused of trying to overthrow the Erdogan-led government and creating a parallel state group.
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