Baghdad: Trkiye is taking legal action against 323 suspects in connection with crimes related to tourism security in the country. Turkish Justice Minister Akin Grlek announced that Turkish authorities have taken legal action against 323 suspects in connection with 164 incidents and investigations targeting tourism security in 16 Turkish provinces during June, July, and August. He stated that 106 of the suspects have been detained, while 56 others have been placed under judicial supervision.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the investigations, conducted in coordination with public prosecutors and with the participation of police and gendarmerie forces, covered crimes threatening the security of tourist areas, including tourism fraud, illicit enrichment, extortion, violence, threats, theft, and coercion.

Figures announced by Grlek reveal that legal action has been taken against 71 suspects in cases of tourism fraud and illicit enrichment, with 20 of them detained. Additionally, legal proceedings have been initiated against 175 suspects in cases of violence, threats, robbery, and coercion, with 43 individuals detained.

The measures also targeted 62 suspects involved in crimes against tourist property, resulting in 40 detentions, alongside 15 suspects in cases related to discrimination, privacy violations, freedom of belief, societal values, and other public order offenses affecting tourism security. Of these, 3 individuals have been detained.

Grlek emphasized that Turkey will not permit any action that could jeopardize security and tranquility in tourist areas. He stressed that the authorities will continue to take necessary measures to protect tourists and citizens and maintain Turkey’s image as a safe tourist destination.