Six individuals have been indicted for their affiliation with the prohibited Kurdistan Workers’ Party following an inquiry conducted by counter-terrorism authorities in London.
On Wednesday, November 27, two females and four males were apprehended and taken into custody under the Terrorism Act 2000.
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, referred to as the PKK, has been classified as a proscribed entity since 2001 due to its promotion of Kurdish autonomy through both political means and armed resistance.
This morning, the Metropolitan Police announced that Turkan Ozcan, 59, from Edmonton in North London, and Berfin Kerban, 31, from Haggerston in East London, are both women who were charged with membership in a terrorist organization on Monday.
Mazlum Sayak, 27, from South Woodford in East London, Ali Boyraz, 62, from Tottenham in North London, Ercan Akbal, 56, from Leyton in East London, and Agit Karatas, 23, from Hackney in East London, face the same charges.
The six charged individuals are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today.
A 31-year-old male who was detained as part of the investigation has been released without any charges, according to the police.
The Metropolitan Police indicated that there is not considered to be an imminent danger to the public following the arrests.
The UK government has described the PKK group and its associated entities as “primarily a separatist movement that seeks an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Turkey”.
Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s counter-terrorism division, stated after the charges: “We are fully aware of the anxiety and effects this investigation has had on the local community, and we are committed to collaborating closely with local law enforcement to keep them informed.
“The charges in this case are extremely grave and stem from a thorough investigation conducted by our detectives.
“It is vital for communities across London to understand that we will take action to investigate and disrupt any suspected terrorist activities in order to ensure the safety of everyone.”
