Turkish duo linked to IS
> Police discover correspondence related to activities of extremist group
PUTRAJAYA: The two Turkish citizens who were arrested by police on Tuesday were alleged to have been involved in activities and correspondence related to Islamic State (IS), said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“The Special Branch Anti-Terrorism unit has been monitoring several individuals, including (the duo) on activities involving the spreading, influencing and funding of IS activities,” he said at the sidelines of the 2017 International Wasatiyyah Seminar here yesterday.
He also confirmed that the duo, international school head Turgay Karaman and businessman Ihsan Aslan, are being investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (Pota) and Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca).
Ahmad Zahid assured the families of both Turkish nationals that they will be released should investigations reveal that they had “zero” or “minimal” involvement in the alleged activities.
“However, we must respect the findings by the police. They have managed to trace communications allegedly by both of them.
“These are not accusations but findings that the police Counter Messaging Centre made when investigating them,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid added that the police will be collaborating with their Turkish counterparts which includes the police department and military intelligence.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the duo’s arrests were not “ordered” by any organisation or individual, but was executed due to the suspects’ own actions.
“Malaysia is a peace-loving country. We do not want and do not welcome foreigners who cause problems here or bring their problems into the country. They have done things to threaten the safety of the country.”