NCJ Number
225424
Date Published
2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This case study analyzed the background and characteristics of individuals recruited into the Devrimci Halkin Kurtulus Partisi/ Cephese (DHKP/C)--The Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front--a domestic terrorist organization in Turkey with an anti-Western, Marxist ideology.
Abstract
The study found that family characteristics were a key factor in the background of members of the DHKP/C. Most of the terrorists came from poor, lower class families. Fifty-two percent of the families had more than four children. Seventy percent of the terrorist respondents stated that their family had some connection with a terrorist organization; 48 percent reported that one family member was arrested at least once because of terrorist activity. Forty-one percent of the terrorist respondents indicated they had a political affiliation with a leftist political party before they joined the DHKP/C movement. Forty percent of the respondents had a family member or friend killed during a terrorist incident. Regarding initial contact with the DHKP/C, 32 percent indicated friends had drawn them into the organization; 24 percent said a relative had introduced them to the organization; 15 percent reported they were attracted to the terrorist organization through its publications; 7 percent stated they were introduced to the DHKP/C while in prison; and 5 percent said an umbrella association established by the DHKP/C introduced them to the organization. Data for this study were obtained from captured DHKP/C documents that contained the results of a survey completed by potential senior members. Survey results on individuals were submitted to the leaders of the central committee of the DHKP/C in their screening of candidates being considered for senior membership that qualified them to conduct more serious terrorist activities. 1 table and appended list of survey questions