(MENAFN) Turkish police have detained over a hundred individuals on suspicion of having ties to militant groups, according to security sources. The operation focused on the city of Diyarbakir, which is the largest city in southeastern Turkey and has a predominantly Kurdish population. The raids extended to 21 other provinces and targeted individuals accused of having links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). A pro-Kurdish lawmaker claimed that politicians, lawyers, journalists, artists, and top members of his party were among those arrested in the operation, which he linked to the upcoming elections on May 14.

The operation comes less than three weeks before Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections. These elections represent a significant challenge for President Tayyip Erdogan, as his AK Party faces its biggest electoral challenge since coming to power in 2002. The crackdown has led to concerns about the use of the state's power to influence the outcome of the election.

The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) lawmaker, Tayip Temel, accused the government of conducting these detentions out of fear of losing power in the upcoming election. He criticized the government for arresting politicians, journalists, and lawyers on the morning of the election, calling it a move to intimidate and suppress opposition.

Turkey has been grappling with violence and instability for many years, including fighting between the government and Kurdish militants. The PKK has been designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. The Turkish government has accused the PKK of carrying out attacks on security forces and civilians, as well as engaging in drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

The government's crackdown on opposition voices has been criticized by human rights organizations and opposition groups, who argue that it is an attempt to silence dissent and consolidate power. Many are concerned about the impact of these detentions on Turkey's democracy and the rule of law.

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