'Streets are Safe' operation across Turkey: Judicial proceedings initiated against 2,447 suspects

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced that the "Streets are Safe" operations were launched nationwide on the morning of September 14, the start of the new academic year.

In a statement on his social media account, Gürlek reported that the operations were organized under the coordination of the General Directorate of Criminal Affairs and within the scope of investigations conducted by 78 Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices. According to the information provided by Minister Gürlek, judicial proceedings were initiated against 2,447 suspects in 148 simultaneous operations.

It was stated that the operations were aimed at street gangs and new-generation criminal organizations that are said to target children and youth. Gürlek noted that the fight continues against structures operating in areas of crime such as drugs, extortion, arms trafficking, blackmail, money laundering, and illegal betting.

Minister Gürlek noted that the goal is not only to apprehend the suspects, but also to eliminate the human resources, financing, networks, logistical capabilities, and crime-producing capacity of criminal organizations.

Our goal is to destroy structures that try to influence our youth through social media and portray crime as an element of power and status. Our streets will not be left to criminal organizations. Our children and youth will not be the human resources for criminal organizations. Power and earnings obtained from crime will not be protected.