Police forces stormed several houses in Batman city and its districts early this morning in the scope of an investigation launched by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in the city.

A total of 15 women, including politicians and activists, were taken into custody in the police operation which witnessed a brutal crackdown against the targeted persons.

The detainees, who are accused of “membership in a terrorist organization,” include Batman Co-mayor Songül Korkmaz who was replaced by a trustee after having her post usurped by the government, Bekirhan Co-mayor Gülistan Sönük, Kozluk Co-mayor Nazime Avcı, former HDP Batman provincial Co-chair Fatma Ablay, HDP Provincial Council member Semra Güneş, Batman City Council member Sebahat Acar, HDP Central District Co-chair Gurbet Doğan, Free Women’s Movement (TJA) activists Gurbet Bozyiğit, Halide Keser, Gülnur Deli, Zeynep Oduncu, Ruken Zeryam Işık, Şükran Çelebi, Nuran Altan and Kurdish singer Sevda Adırbeli.