Turkish main opposition condemns failed coup attempt

ANKARA

Turkey's main opposition party on Monday condemned Friday’s failed military coup attempt and urged respect for rule of law in the country, as a nationwide purge against coup plotters continues.

"We condemn the coup attempt [against] our parliamentary democracy by a junta within Turkish Armed Forces," said the Republican People's Party (CHP) in a joint statement, written by the party’s parliamentary group.

In the statement, the party said the mission ahead was to hold the coup supporters accountable, to normalize society and strengthen democracy.

"With regards to Turkey’s respectability, [the process of holding coup plotters accountable] should only be conducted within the limits of the rule of law," the statement added.

CHP Leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu took stand early Saturday against the coup attempt, saying: "This country was wracked with coups. We do not want to go through the same troubles."

On Friday night, rogue elements of the military attempted to overthrow Turkey’s democratically elected government. At least 164 people were martyred in the ensuing violence.

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

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.

Gulen is the number one suspect in the two investigations launched by Istanbul prosecutors following the failed coup attempt, judicial sources told Anadolu Agency on Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking with the media.