Bulgarian prosecutors charge five people in Istanbul blast
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Sofia: Bulgaria has charged five people for supporting terrorist acts (logistical assistance) linked to the explosion in Istanbul. The incident took place on November 13 and killed six people.
The country's chief prosecutor Ivan Geshev said three of the people detained were of Moldovan origin. Bulgarian special police also detained a man and woman of Syrian Kurdish descent too, reported Reuters. They are also being charged with human trafficking and smuggling.
The Bulgarian security forces have been working with Turkish investigators and prosecutors.
Prosecutors are asking the court to keep the four men in detention. The woman has a health condition and needs a different option. Geshev said Turkish prosecutors have already asked for some of the suspected accomplices in the blast to be extradited on charges of "destroying national unity" and "deliberate killing."
A Turkish court has ordered the pre-trial detention of 17 suspects including the alleged bomber - a Syrian national named Ahlam Albashir. She reportedly confessed to planting the bomb during the interrogation. She also claimed to have joined the PKK due to her boyfriend's influence but remained with the group even after breaking up with him, reported Anadolu news agency.
The blast on Istiklal Avenue, a historical and busy area, wounded over 80 people. No group has taken responsibility but the Turkish government has blamed militants of an outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).