News / Turkey

UN chief voices concerns over Turkey's post-coup crackdown

Thursday, 28 July 2016 12:28 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 28 July 2016 12:44 AM ]

A demonstrator puts his hand on a fence with padlocks left by prisoners during a demonstration in front of the Metris prison in Istanbul on June 24, 2016. (AFP)

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon calls on Turkey to present "credible evidence" for those detained in its post-coup crackdown.

According to UN spokesman Farhan Haq, Ban expressed his worries during a phone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (seen below) on Wednesday.

Ban "referred to worrying reports of mistreatment and abuse of some of those who are still in custody and their detention conditions, and underscored his deep concern about the scope of continuing widespread arrests, detentions and suspensions," said Haq.

Earlier in the day, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim warned that the government crackdown in connection with the coup attempt is "not completed yet" and there could be more arrests.

Turkey’s interior minister also announced that over than 15,000 people, including 10,000 soldiers, have been detained in the country in the wake of the failed coup.

Ankara also announced the discharge of some 150 generals and admirals as well as nearly 1,700 officers from the army.

Turkey also issued arrest warrants for nearly 50 journalists in relation to the failed coup.

Ban also told Cavusoglu that "Credible evidence on those under investigation has to be presented swiftly to the judicial system so that legal determination could be made before the court of law," added Haq.

About 250 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured on the night of July 15, when a faction within the army, using fighter jets, helicopters and tanks, tried to seize airports and bridges, and attacked buildings, including parliament and the intelligence headquarters, in an attempt to seize power.

*Family members of detained Turkish soldiers wait in front of the Istanbul Justice Palace on July 20, 2016. (AFP)*

Following the abortive coup, Ankara declared a state of emergency in the country, which would allow the government to take swift action against those suspected of being behind the coup attempt.

The UN secretary general "trusts that the government and people of Turkey will transform this moment of uncertainty into a moment of unity, preserving Turkey's democracy," Haq added.

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