Turkey has accused the group of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen of being behind the coup. But Mr Erdogan’s critics claim he is using the backlash against coup plotters to consolidate power and stifle dissent.
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The authorities have since suspended or detained close to 20,000 soldiers, police officers, judges and civil servants.
“They want a swift end to it, because people lost relatives, lost neighbours, lost children… they’re suffering, so the people are very sensitive and we have to act very sensibly and sensitively”.
As of today, 15,200 public personnel working at our ministry’s central and rural offices have been suspended from their duties, and an investigation has been launched regarding these people.
“The EUA condemns strongly and unconditionally this action against universities and university staff, and expresses its heartfelt support for the higher education community in Turkey at this time”, the statement went on.
Like Mr Gulen, Gen Ozturk denies any involvement. Please don’t send us allegations, send us evidence. Along with the ongoing ones initiated in respect of FETO, required measures are now being taken against those involved in the coup attempt, so that those responsible are brought before justice swiftly.
Worldwide pressure is mounting on Erdogan after he responded to the failed coup with an iron fist.
United Nations rights chief Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein urged a fair trial for the suspects and voiced “serious alarm” over the mass suspension of judges.
Erdogan, who had been accused of autocratic conduct even before this week’s tough crackdown, said the state of emergency would counter threats to Turkey.
Bayram Balci, Turkey expert at Ceri Sciences Po in Paris, said that the coup was nothing less than a “gift from heaven” for Erdogan.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the state of emergency in a live television broadcast, saying it is not against democracy, rule of law or freedoms, but rather is aimed at protecting these values and strengthening them.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier says Turkey’s state of emergency should only last as long as it’s “absolutely necessary”.
Speaking alongside the leader of the main secularist opposition Republican People’s Party, the prime minister said the country must avoid the risk that some people might try to exploit the current situation.
“Obviously, we would invite the government of Turkey, as we always do, to present us with any legitimate evidence that withstands scrutiny”, Kerry said during a stop in Luxembourg.
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Germany had already issued a sharp warning to Turkey Monday, blasting “revolting scenes of caprice and revenge” after the failed putsch and warning it against reinstating the death penalty.
