Police were set to detain the journalists as part of an investigation into US -based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, accused by Ankara of masterminding the July 15-16 coup attempt in which at least 246 people were killed, CNN Turk said.
Advertisement
Turkish troops detain Staff Sergeant Erkan Cikat, one of the missing military personnel suspected of being involved in the coup attempt, in Marmaris, Turkey, July 25, 2016. Officials have fired or suspended tens of thousands as the government intensifies its vast purge.
Turkey’s main opposition leader on Tuesday called for the extradition of Pennsylvania-based preacher Fetullah Gulen, accused of being the mastermind behind the deadly July 15 coup attempt.
Critics of President Tayyip Erdogan argue he is using the failed July 15-16 coup as a pretext to muzzle dissent and tighten his grip on power. Authorities in March shut down Zaman, widely seen as the Gulen movement’s flagship media organization.
Western governments and rights groups have condemned the abortive coup in which at least 246 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured.
Earlier this week, warrants were issued against 42 other journalists, of whom 16 of them have been detained for questioning.
Turks wave flags at a solidarity rally in Ankara on Wednesday.
The discharge of the generals – most of whom are now under arrest – came ahead of a meeting of Turkey’s Supreme Military Council which is expected to agree one of the most radical shake-ups of the armed forces in years.
Gulen, an ally-turned-foe of President Tayyip Erdogan who had built up an extensive network of schools, charities and businesses in Turkey over decades, has condemned the coup attempt and denies any involvement in it.
Advertisement
Gulen, who says he runs a peaceful Islamic movement, rubbishes the claims that he was behind the coup and expressed hope that the United States would not give into Ankara’s pressure and extradite him.
