26 FETO-linked ex-judges and prosecutors detained

By Muhammed Enes Can

ISTANBUL (AA) - Twenty-six former judges and prosecutors allegedly linked to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) blamed for last July’s coup attempt in Turkey were detained Saturday, according to judicial sources.

Istanbul prosecutors had issued an arrest warrant for 55 former senior jurists allegedly linked to the FETO who were recently dismissed from their posts, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

All the suspects were charged with being members of an armed terrorist group by Istanbul Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor Onder Yaman, who coordinated the investigation.

In addition, at the prosecutors’ request, the court also approved the search and seizure of the suspects' properties and confiscation of any evidence relevant to the crime.

The 29 other suspects are still being sought.

The 55 were among 202 judges and prosecutors dismissed by the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) in Ankara on Friday.

The move is part of an ongoing probe into the defeated coup that left 249 people martyred and nearly 2,200 wounded.

Led by U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen, FETO is accused of orchestrating Turkey’s July 15, 2016, coup plot as well as being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and the judiciary.

According to HSYK Deputy Chair Mehmet Yilmaz, over 4,000 judges and prosecutors have been dismissed since last July 15.