ISTANBUL, July 23: Turkish police detained 26 people on Wednesday in connection with an investigation into an alleged plot to overthrow the government, state-run Anatolian news agency said.

The raids were part of an operation against the shadowy, ultra-nationalist Ergenekon organisation, which has fuelled uncertainty in Turkey and unsettled financial markets.

Eighty-six people have been charged with involvement in the plot against Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s government, which hardline secularists accuse of Islamist subversion.

Early on Wednesday, police conducted simultaneous raids in five provinces from Istanbul in the west to Elazig in eastern Turkey, Anatolian reported.

The news agency said the detentions were ordered by the prosecutors handling the Ergenekon case.

The operation was focused on the central Turkish province of Konya, where 13 people were held. The remaining detainees were also taken to Konya for questioning following a 1-1/2 year investigation, Anatolian said.

Three unlicensed guns, various documents and computers were seized during the raids.

History of coups

In the last 50 years, military coups have unseated four elected governments in Turkey. Some opponents of the present government, which denies any secret Islamist agenda, call the controversial coup case revenge for court moves to outlaw the ruling AK Party and ban Erdogan and President Abdullah Gul from party politics.

Istanbul’s chief prosecutor filed the indictment last week on the Ergenekon case, which includes forming an armed terror group and attempting to overthrow the government by force. An Istanbul court must decide by July 28 whether to accept the case.

Earlier this month, two retired generals, leading businessmen and journalists, all critical of the AK Party, were arrested and another indictment is being prepared for them.—Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

AN IMF mission is in Islamabad for unusual, early talks with the Pakistani authorities as the lender seems worried...
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

BARA tehsil, a region typically known for its security challenges and socioeconomic problems, can now boast the...
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....