Turkey presses ahead with crackdown on Gulen network

Turkey accuses a network led by U. S.based cleric Fethullah Gulen of masterminding a military coup attempt in July 2016.
Turkish Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, sits at his residence in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, United States. (File photo | AP)
Turkish Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, sits at his residence in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, United States. (File photo | AP)

ANKARA: Turkey's state-run news agency says prosecutors have issued warrants for the detention of more than 150 military officers, teachers and trade unionists, as authorities press ahead with a clampdown against a network led by U. S.based cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Anadolu Agency today said that detention warrants were issued for 16 navy officers -- all of whom were later taken into custody.

Seven were on active duty, while nine had been previously discharged.

Separately, Anadolu reported that 66 dismissed teachers and 72 members of a trade union were also ordered detained.

Turkey accuses Gulen of masterminding a military coup attempt in July 2016.

Gulen denies the accusation.

Turkey launched a massive crackdown after the coup, resulting in about 50,000 arrests and the dismissal of more than 110,000 people from state jobs.

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The New Indian Express
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