At least 11 students from Istanbul’s prestigious Bogazici University remain in police custody for airing opposition to Turkey’s ongoing military operations against Kurdish militants in northern Syria amid a broadening crackdown on anti-war sentiments.
The first wave of detentions took place last week after the students unfurled banners criticizing fellow students supporting soldiers who fell during Turkey’s ongoing Operation Olive Branch in Syria’s heavily Kurdish Afrin region. The latter had set up a stand and handed out Turkish sweets they called “Afrin delights.” It is a Turkish tradition to serve sweets following a loved one’s death. The anti-war group allegedly attacked them prompting police intervention.
