Turkey

Twin bombs explode in Istanbul

Article published on the 2008-07-28 Latest update 2008-07-29 11:24 TU

Emergency workers treat an injured man in Istanbul.
( Photo : AFP )

Two bombs exploded minutes apart in Istanbul overnight, killing at least 17 and injuring 154. The explosions come as political tension are on the rise with a trial opening Monday over whether to ban the ruling party, and the indictment of 86 people on Friday on charges of plotting to overthrow the government.

The first explosion was smaller, drawing a crowd, before the second, larger explosion occurred about ten minutes later, said correspondent Jasper Mortimer. Both bombs were hidden in garbage bins several metres apart.

Local media initially reported that a gas leak caused the explosions, though officials later stated that there was no doubt that this was a terrorist attack.

Similar attacks in Turkey’s biggest city have been blamed on the Kurdish Worker’s Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey and several Western countries. The group has been fighting for the independence of the Kurdish-majority southeastern region since 1984.

On Friday, an Istanbul court announced that it would be trying 86 people on charges of plotting to overthrow the government. And on Monday, the country’s top court will start hearing arguments on whether to ban the country’s ruling Justice and Development Party for being too Islamic and violating the country’s constitutional secularism.

"Whoever was behind last night's explosions was aware of the tension caused by these court cases, and wanted to enhance it," Mortimer said.