Investigation launched into HDP congress over display of PKK leader Öcalan's pictures

Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the fourth ordinary congress of the Kurdish-issue focused Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) over the display of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan's pictures in a slideshow. "Detention warrants were issued for 15 people who were determined to have prepared the slideshow in question," the office said, adding that 14 people were detained.

Duvar English

An investigation was launched into the fourth congress of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) on Feb. 25 over the display of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan's pictures.

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During its congress held in the capital Ankara on Feb. 23, the HDP showed pictures of the jailed PKK leader in a slideshow, prompting Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to launch an investigation.

HDP members are often accused by the government of being members of the PKK, which is a group designated as a terrorist organization by Ankara, Washington and the European Union.

The prosecutor's office said that 14 people were detained as part of the probe, while searches are ongoing for another.

"Detention warrants were issued for 15 people who were determined to have prepared the slideshow in question," it also said.

Hundreds of HDP members and a number of its former deputies are in jail on charges linked to the PKK.

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