The state-run Anatolia news agency said simultaneous raids were carried out by counterterrorism units in a number of premises in Şemdinli and Altunsu village early Friday. Eight people, including a Şemdinli municipality official and an official from the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party's (BDP) local branch in Şemdinli, were reportedly detained during the raids.
The KCK investigation started in December 2009 and a large number of Kurdish politicians, including several mayors from the BDP, have been detained in the case. There are a total of 152 suspects in the ongoing KCK trial. They stand accused of various crimes, including membership in a terrorist organization, aiding and abetting a terrorist organization and attempting to destroy the country's unity and integrity. The suspects include 12 mayors from the pro-Kurdish BDP.
