Dozens of suspects arrested across Turkey in FETO probe

By Ferdi Akilli, Muhammed Kaygin and Serdar Acil

ANKARA (AA) – Police arrested dozens of suspects from across Turkey on Thursday as part of its probe into the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), authorities told Anadolu Agency.

An Ankara-based operation was launched in 12 provinces to nab 68 former employees of state television TRT for allegedly using the ByLock messaging app that is said to be linked to the July 15 coup attempt, according to the Ankara Public Prosecutor's Office; 35 of the 68 suspects had been arrested Thursday. The search for the remaining suspects continues.

Also, 20 people were arrested in Turkey’s northern black sea coast city Bartin. However, five of them were later released under judicial control.

In a separate operation in Turkey’s northern black sea coast city Zonguldak, two more people were arrested.

Furthermore, 20 suspects, including suspended teachers and “army imams” of FETO were taken into custody in Turkey’s northern Anatolian city Corum on Thursday.

One of them was later released on judicial control.

In southeastern Siirt, three suspects were arrested, according to information received from the chief public prosecutor's office.

Also, six teachers were arrested in Konya for using the ByLock messaging app.

In Malatya city, a military judge and his military prosecutor wife were arrested for “being a member of FETO terrorist group.”

In Antalya city, police arrested seven suspects.

According to Turkey’s government, FETO leader Fetullah Gulen masterminded the July 15 defeated coup, which left 248 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara has also said FETO is behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

In the wake of the coup attempt, tens of thousands FETO suspects have been arrested, including many in the armed forces, police, judiciary, and education sector.