Married Israeli couple arrested for espionage in Turkey

The pair are alleged to have taken photographs of the Turkish president’s residence in Istanbul.

Published Nov 13, 2021

An Israeli married couple were arrested for espionage after taking photographs of the Turkish president’s residence in Istanbul, Turkey’s official news agency said.

Anadolu Agency said a Turkish national was also arrested.

Police detained them after a tip-off from an employee working in the Camlica radio and television tower on the Asian side of Istanbul.

The employee claimed they were taking photographs of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s nearby home from the tower’s restaurant earlier this week.

They were formally arrested pending trial for “political and military espionage” by an Istanbul court.

Giants Turkish flags are displayed on boats as people pay tribute to mark the 83rd anniversary of Turkey’s founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s death at Dolmabahce palace in Istanbul, Turkey (Francisco Seco/AP) — Giant Turkish flags are displayed on boats at Dolmabahce palace in Istanbul, Turkey (Francisco Seco/AP)

He said his department has been in regular contact with the pair and is trying to organise their release.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz identified the couple as Natalie and Mordi Oknin.

Citing their lawyer, it said they were taking photographs of the Ottoman-era Dolmabahce Palace while taking a ferry.

Parts of Dolmabahce, located on the city’s European side, are used as a presidential working office.