Wave of attack on Özgür Gündem widens

The wave of attack against pro-Kurdish daily Özgür Gündem widens in the wake of the court order for its closure announced earlier today.

The wave of attack against pro-Kurdish daily Özgür Gündem widens in the wake of the court order for its closure announced earlier today.

During the raid on newspaper office in Istanbul, at least 23 people were detained, and these were taken to the Anti-Terror department of Istanbul Police Directorate.

Police forces raided the house of lawyer Eren Keskin, former editor-in-chief of the newspaper, in Maltepe district of Istanbul where she lives with her mother. While Keskin was not found home, police search in her house continues.

Police forces also raided the house of Filiz Koçali, an author for Özgür Gündem, after the court order. While Koçali was not found in her home in Istanbul's Bakırköy district, police started a detailed search in the house.

On the other hand, police raided the house of Özgür Gündem distributor Yılmaz Kumli in Edremit district of Van province after the court order. Kımli was not found home and policemen insulted his family members during the raid.

In the meantime, 31 people who were detained in Adana province the day before, have been referred to prosecutor's office Tuesday evening. The detainees include 20 minors and Azadiya Welat and Özgür Gündem distributor Hakan Ergün. 

Ergün and seven others among the detainees were jailed on charges of “membership to a terrorist organisation”.