Turkey arrests 70 generals, admirals over coup attempt

By Asena Akcay

ISTANBUL

At least 70 army generals and navy admirals linked to Friday’s attempted military coup attempt have been arrested since the coup’s defeat, according to official court records examined by Anadolu Agency.

Over 6,000 soldiers and judges have also been arrested over alleged ties to the failed putsch, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Sunday.

Those people have been detained with the charge of offenses to the constitutional order under the Turkish Penal Code.

Penal Code Article 309 says, “Any person who attempts to dissolve the Turkish Grand National Assembly [parliament], or hinders the performance of the legislative organs in whole or in part by using force or threats, will be punished with heavy life imprisonment.”

“The legal process will continue,” Bozdag told state-run broadcaster TRT. “This will be the most extensive case ever seen in Turkey’s history.”

The failed coup is said to have been organized by followers of U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of pursuing a long-running campaign to overthrow the government through supporters within the Turkish state, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

* Ilker Girit contributed to this story from Istanbul.