Turkey issued warrants on Monday over 42 journalists under a law enforcement measure, after the July 15 failed coup. International groups fear that crackdowns in response to the coup attempt might be used to perpetuate Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Broadcaster NTV reported on Monday that 42 journalists were subjects of detentions, ordered by the Turkish government, as a reprisal over the July 15-16 putsch attempt.
Government officials argued that some journalists and reporters have been linked to Fethullah Gulen, Muslim cleric in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, who allegedly was the head behind the botched coup. The Erdogan’s administration has asked the White House to extradite Gulen. Obama’s government said it is open to accept any evidence for judging Gulen.
After the journalists’ detention, Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan began censoring the internet. He has ordered to block more than 20 websites including the news sites Haberdar, Gazetport, and Medyascope.
Some journalists have been fired without explanation, while others have been charged with insulting the president. Dozens of reporters have been suspended after their press’ credentials were revoked. A journalist that went on vacation got his home raided by Turkish police officers.
A pro-government newspaper has released a list containing names and photos of journalists accused of treason. Among the detained journalists, it was the well-known commentator and former parliamentarian Nazli Ilicak. The latter got fired several years ago, after criticizing the government during a corruption scandal.
A spokesperson for Erdogan’s administration said that journalists’ dismissal was not related to their professional duties, but to possible criminal conduct.
Further on, it has been reported that state-run Turkish Airlines has fired 211 employees because of their links to a religious movement that Erdogan has blamed for the attempted putsch.
Such measures issued by Turkish government have raised concerns among international organizations and Western countries. Amnesty International argues that Erdogan’s government is violating suspects’ rights with its imposed crackdown.
Amnesty International accuses Turkey over rape and torture charges
Turkey’s ruling government has been accused of rape and torture charges of suspects involved during the failed coup. Amnesty International claims that Erdogan’s government is violating the human rights of suspects.
Since the coup attempt perpetrated at Turkey a few weeks ago, Amnesty International has gathered evidence linking Turkey’s government to rape and torture abuses. The worldwide non-governmental organization said it has found reliable evidence pointing out illegitimate crackdowns over suspects who participated in the coup attempt.
“It is absolutely imperative that the Turkish authorities halt these abhorrent practices and allow international monitors to visit all these detainees in the places they are being held,” remarked Amnesty’s Europe director, John Dalhuisent.
State of emergency
On July 15, Turkey registered its fifth coup d’état in history. The attempt was performed by a faction ruling government’s party and the other one composed by dissidents. However, the coup failed after forces loyal to the ruling government defeated tens of thousands of street protesters.
Turkey’s President Erdogan barely escaped capture and possible death during the coup attempt carried out by a group within the Turkish Armed Forces to take over the government. Mr. Erdogan declared then state of emergency in response to failed coup.
On July 20 Erdogan announced Turkey will be placed under a state of emergency for three months. The president said the measure is needed to reestablish national order and to remove terrorist elements involved in the failed coup to overthrow its government.
Turkey’s air force has supported the state of emergency by calling for “absolute obedience” to the chief of the military General Staff. With the state of emergency, the head of state has the power to enact laws and any other constitutional changes without parliamentary approval.
Critics have stated that Erdogan might have taken advantage of the failed coup to conduct indiscriminate law enforcement over dissidents; such is the case of rape and torture abuses that have been reported so far to international organizations.
Last week, Turkish authorities loyal to government performed actions against public servants. More than 60,000 public employees, including soldiers, police, judges, teachers, civil servants, among others, have been suspended, detained or placed under investigation after the failed coup.
Some demonstrators supporting Erdogan’s government have declared that the state of emergency and civilians’ detentions are good measures in respond to their betrayal.
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced on Saturday that Turkish authorities had taken around 13,000 people into custody since the coup attempt. The failed coup left 300 people killed, while more than 2,100 were injured during protests.
Source: Chinchilla News