MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Turkey's authorities have dismissed 203 judges and public prosecutors over alleged links to the movement of Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, suspected by Ankara of masterminding the July coup attempt, local media reported Thursday, citing the announcement in the Official Gazette.
According to Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey's Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) unanimously decided on these dismissals on Tuesday, however, these individuals have the right to appeal their suspensions for ten days.
The employees are suspected of using communication applications that are known to be used by Gulen's supporters and illegal wiretapping against government officials, military and businessmen, the newspaper reported.
16 November 2016, 11:09 GMT
On July 15, a military coup attempt took place in Turkey. It was suppressed the following day. Over 240 people were killed during the coup attempt and an estimated 2,000 were wounded. Ankara has accused dissident Muslim cleric Gulen, who has lived in the US state of Pennsylvania since 1999, and his followers of playing a key role in the coup.
According to the Turkish justice minister, a total of 32,000 military officers, high-ranking civil servants, judges and teachers suspected of being Gulen supporters have been arrested in Turkey after the failed coup attempt. Further dozens of thousands have been fired or suspended from their positions.
