Turkey's police issue warning letter over lifted immunity
14:48, 24/05/2016, Tuesday
Yeni Şafak
Terror group PKK and youth affiliate YDG-H could target public figures, state buildings and political leaders in protest of immunity lifting from HDP deputies, the security authority warns
The directorate of the Turkish police department warned all branches across the country to take extra measures against terror activities of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in retaliation for lifting parliamentary immunity on lawmakers.
A warning letter issued by police headquarters said PKK elements could carry out terror activities targeting public figures, public institutions and organizations.
It suggested the local security authorities increase security measures to a high level.
Turkish parliament voted May 20 to lift parliamentary immunity for lawmakers to be prosecuted for anti-democratic and unlawful activities.
The new bill will allow the Turkish judiciary to prosecute nearly 150 lawmakers, mostly from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) accused of aiding terror organizations and spreading propaganda for them, to be tried.
The police warnings also highlighted that PKK members declared the lifting of immunity that could lead to HDP deputies' expulsion from parliament an act of war.
It also warned local security authorities that protests, rallies, marches, sit-ins and hunger strikes could be staged in important public places, including the parliament building.
PKK's youth organization The Patriotic Revolutionary Youth Movement (YDG-H) might attack public buildings and vehicles as “duty for democracy,” the letter read.
It also said that countryside formation of the terror group may kidnap judicial, state, government, and ruling Justice and Development (AK) party figures, and suggested tightening security measures.