Turkey: Former exam body chief arrested in FETO probe

ANKARA

Former head of Turkey’s student selection and placement center was arrested as part of an operation against the terror group behind the 2016 defeated coup in Turkey, according to a security source on Monday.

Twenty-one suspects, including former head of the Student Measuring, Selection and Placement Center (OSYM) Ali Demir, were arrested in an operation countering the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

The OSYM is the organizing body for exams for admissions to several institutions, including university.

The Ankara prosecutors issued arrest warrant for 34 FETO suspects as part of the investigation, according to the source who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The police unit combatting financial crimes launched simultaneous operations in seven provinces to nab the suspects.

Among suspects arrested, nine people were found to be using ByLock, an encrypted cellphone app used by FETO coup plotters.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

The operation is ongoing for the 13 fugitives, the source added.

*Writing by Sena Guler