Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 4 - Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C)

Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front

Aka:  DHKP/C; Dev Sol; Dev Sol Armed Revolutionary Units; Dev Sol Silahli Devrimci Birlikleri; Dev Sol SDB; Devrimci Halk Kurtulus Partisi-Cephesi; Devrimci Sol; Revolutionary Left.

Description:  The Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) was designated as an FTO on October 8, 1997.DHKP/C was formed in 1978 as Devrimci Sol, or Dev Sol, a splinter faction of Dev Genc (Revolutionary Youth).  It was renamed in 1994 after factional infighting.  “Party” refers to the group’s political activities, and “Front” refers to its militant operations.  The group advocates a Marxist-Leninist ideology and opposes the United States, NATO, and the Turkish establishment.  It strives to establish a socialist state and to abolish Turkish prisons.

Activities:  In February, Turkish officials blamed DHKP/C for an attack on a courthouse in Istanbul that killed one person and injured five others.  In April, Turkish security forces arrested Fehmi Oral Meşe, one of DHKP/C’s leaders, in Istanbul.

Strength:  DHKP/C was estimated to have several dozen members in Türkiye, with a support network throughout Europe.

Location/Area of Operation:  Türkiye and Europe.

Funding and External Aid:  DHKP/C finances its activities chiefly through donations and extortion.  In Europe, the group engages in fundraising, arms smuggling, and other criminal ventures to support its operations in Türkiye.

Associated documents