OIC condemns Turkey's failed coup

By Busra Selvi Ogutcen

ANKARA

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the July 15 coup attempt in a statement Saturday.

The OIC’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission condemned the foiled coup, which tried to overthrow the democratically elected government of the Republic of Turkey.

"While reaffirming its unwavering support to the principles of democracy, freedom, respect for human rights and rule of law at all costs and at any time, IPHRC calls for immediate restoration of public order and unity across all sections of society to respect the will of people, safeguard basic human rights and counter threats of obscurantism and terrorism.

"The Commission is confident that the Government of Turkey, in keeping with its known high standards of human rights, will take all measures necessary to ensure that the country returns to normalcy and the public order is restored in the shortest possible time," the statement said.

The commission also hailed the Turkish people’s efforts to stand up and fight for their democratic rights.

The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission was formally launched in 2011.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly coup attempt, which martyred more than 230 people and injured nearly 2,200 others, was organized by U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen's followers and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

Gulen is also accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.

Turkey declared a state of emergency following the overthrow attempt.

Approximately 13,000 members of the military, police, and judiciary, as well as civil servants, have been detained since the failed putsch, and tens of thousands more removed from their posts.