Cigdem Aslan: 51-year-old Australian woman from Melbourne arrested on terror charges in Turkey
An Australian woman trying to board a flight home has been arrested in Turkey on terror charges over her alleged links to a Kurdish separatist group.
A joint Turkish police and National Intelligence Organisation investigation found Cigdem Aslan had participated in activities on behalf of the listed terror organisation Kurdistan Workers Party in Australia, according to Turkish media reports.
It was alleged Ms Aslan had been in contact with high-level members of the terror group and was arrested at Istanbul Airport trying to board a flight to Australia.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The 51-year-old Melbourne woman, who held an Australian passport under the name of Lenna Aslan, was reported to have appeared before a judge, the Daily Sabah reported.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the woman detained in Turkey, a spokesman said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment,” he said.
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which is committed to the creation of an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Turkey, Syria and Iraq, is a banned terrorist organisation in Turkey and also Australia.
Turkish media reported Ms Aslan served as co-chair of a PKK-linked association in Australia and was involved in rallies in Australia to protest Turkey’s operations against the group.
