Probe launched into notorious Turkish crime boss for calling on civilians to ‘take up arms’
Aziz Özen – ISTANBUL
An investigation has been launched into Sedat Peker, a well-known convicted crime boss, on charges of inciting animosity after he called on citizens to take up arms before the local elections on March 31.
The Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation after Peker said civilians should arm themselves because “foreign powers could meddle in the elections.”
In a written statement, the prosecutor’s office said the notorious criminal is facing charges of “inciting people to commit crime” and “inciting people to animosity.”
“Imperialist powers have some plans for our country. Already, they are saying that they do not recognize the Supreme Electoral Council [YSK]. They will pour people and party members onto the streets depending on the election results. The purpose of this is to have terrorists infiltrate party members and allow them to destroy the country,” Peker said on Feb. 3 at an opening ceremony in Istanbul.
He was referring to main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu who said he did not trust the YSK, which was accused of electoral fraud by opposition parties in previous polls.
“Our police, soldiers and intelligence are strong. They will not allow this. But I swear to God, the children of this country will protect the streets inch by inch. We will not give an inch of this country to them,” he said.
“There are facts that history has taught us. If in good hands, guns are protection and guarantee. That’s why those who have the opportunity should absolutely purchase registered guns. They should definitely purchase shotguns. They should be prepared. Let’s prepare for the worst, but if the outcome is good, then that is most welcome,” he said.
Following Peker’s threat-laden remarks, İYİ (Good) Party leader Meral Akşener called on the Interior Ministry to take legal action.
But this isn’t the first time Peker makes such remarks. In early 2016, Peker had threatened Turkish academics who signed a peace petition urging Turkey to end its military operations in the country’s southeast. “We will spill your blood into streams, and we will bathe in your blood,” he said, in reference to the academics.
