News / Turkey

Ankara issues arrest warrants for 42 journalists: Report

Monday, 25 July 2016 8:18 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 25 July 2016 10:25 AM ]

Detained rebel soldiers arrive with their hands bound behind them at the Istanbul Justice Palace (Adalet Sarayi), July 20, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

Turkish authorities have reportedly issued arrest warrants for 42 journalists as Ankara continues a large-scale crackdown on anyone believed to have been connected to or sympathized with a recent coup attempt.

Private broadcaster NTV said authorities issued the detention warrants for the journalists, including renowned commentator and former lawmaker Nazli Ilicak, on Monday.

More than 60,000 soldiers, police officers, judges, teachers, civil servants and others have either been suspended from their jobs, arrested or placed under investigation since a faction of the Turkish military attempted but failed to topple President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The measures Ankara has resorted to in the wake of the botched coup have raised domestic and international concern. Government officials have said they would restore the death penalty, which was annulled in Turkey in 2004 under reforms aimed at joining the European Union (EU).

Meanwhile, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has said that any accession talks with Turkey would be halted if Ankara restored the death penalty.

“I believe that Turkey, in its current state, is not in a position to become a member any time soon and not even over a longer period,” Juncker said on French television France 2 on Monday.

Turkish anger

Also on Monday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu appeared to defend his country’s right to restore the death penalty, condemning the EU’s “threats” and opposition to the potential move.

“Europe is not the owner of Turkey and we will not accept threats and being looked down on. If the EU has any questions, we are ready to discuss them,” Cavusoglu told private broadcaster Haberturk TV.

He also said that Ankara will recall and dismiss some Turkish ambassadors in connection with the recent coup attempt. “There will be layoffs, including at the ambassadorial level,” he said.

The putsch began overnight on July 15, when rebel soldiers declared they were in control of the country and the Ankara administration was no more in charge. Tanks, helicopters and soldiers then clashed with police and people on the streets of the capital and Istanbul.

The coup was gradually suppressed by military forces and people loyal to Erdogan. More than 300 people were killed from both sides, many of them on July 16.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk