18 July,2016 01:18 AM IST | | Agencies
The Turkish government accelerated its crackdown on alleged plotters of the failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with the justice minister yesterday saying that 6,000 people had been detained in the investigation, including three of the country’s top generals and hundreds of soldiers
Turkish anti-riot police officers detain a Turkish soldier who allegedly took part in the military coup.
Istanabul: The Turkish government accelerated its crackdown on alleged plotters of the failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with the justice minister yesterday saying that 6,000 people had been detained in the investigation, including three of the country's top generals and hundreds of soldiers.
Turkish anti-riot police officers detain a Turkish soldier who allegedly took part in the military coup. PIC/AFP
Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, dozens of arrest warrants have been issued for judges and prosecutors deemed to be government opponents. The government has also dismissed nearly 3,000 judges and prosecutors from their posts, while investigators were preparing court cases to send the conspirators to trial on charges of attempting to overthrow the government.
"The cleansing (operation) is continuing. Some 6,000 detentions have taken place. The number could surpass 6,000," Bozdag said in televised comments.
The botched coup, which saw warplanes fly over key government installations and tanks roll up in major cities, ended hours later when loyal government forces regained control of the military and civilians took to the streets in support of Erdogan.
100
The number of coup plotters already killed