Posted on 11/14/21
| News Source: i24
Prosecutors considering espionage charges against Israeli nationals for taking photos of presidential palace
Prosecutors in Turkey say that they are weighing charges of espionage against an Israeli couple detained in Istanbul for taking photographs of the president's palace.
The couple could still face the lesser charge of engaging in acts that harm the country's national security, according to Israeli TV reports.
Reports indicate that Israel has not received any formal explanation from Turkish officials and they fear that Turkey is increasingly seeking diplomatic gains.
Mordy and Natali Oknin were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of espionage.
Both Egged bus drivers in their 40s from Modi'in, the pair were arrested after the woman filmed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's home in the country's capital. The pictures of the Ottoman-era Dolmabahce Palace were reportedly taken from the Çamlıca Tower's restaurant.
A Turkish national was also arrested and is facing espionage charges.
A Turkish court ruled on Friday that the couple will be remanded into custody for the next 20 days.
The decision came after earlier in the day Turkish officials indicated to Israel's Foreign Ministry that the couple would be released and deported back to Israel.