6,000 detained after failed coup attempt
Turkish officials continue to arrest judges and military officers in connection with the coup attempt, detaining more soldiers Sunday.
Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said around 6,000 people have been detained and “the number will increase.” Those in custody include the commander of the Third Army Corps, General Erdal Ozturk, who could face charges of treason.
Other high-ranking military officials flew to neighbouring Greece by helicopter and requested political asylum. Turkish media reports say some of those who fled are believed to be among the architects of the coup.
Thousands of Turkish citizens packed Ankara’s Kizilat Square, downtown Istanbul and the coastal city of Izmir Saturday night to shout their support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government after a failed coup attempt by some of the country’s military.
Crowds waved flags at the late-night rallies and chanted their determination not to let anything or anyone divide the country.