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| Version 28 | Version 29 |
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| Turkey coup fails as Erdoğan says military traitors must pay – live news updates | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 2.28pm BST | |
| 14:28 | |
| Turkey’s state-run news agency says authorities have detained 10 members of Turkey’s highest administrative court as the government appeared to press ahead with a purge of judiciary officials with alleged links to a US-based Muslim cleric. | |
| The Anadolu Agency said that arrest warrants were issued for 48 administrative court members and 140 members of Turkey’s appeals court. Earlier, Anadolu said a body overseeing judges and prosecutors in Turkey has dismissed 2,745 judges across Turkey. | |
| 2.21pm BST | |
| 14:21 | |
| John Kerry, US Secretary of State, has spoken at length to reporters about his administration’s analysis of the failed coup in Turkey and the fallout. He said: | |
| The United States, without any hesitation, squarely and unequivocally stands for democratic leadership, for the respect for the democratically elected leader and for constitutional process with that regard. | |
| We stand by the Government of Turkey. It is our understanding that things are now calm, that order is being restored. I talked directly with my foreign minister counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, last night at the time where things were still uncertain as to what was happening and expressed my confidence in him and in the Government and our readiness to be supportive. | |
| At this moment, all of our embassy personnel are 100% accounted for and okay. We are working to determine that all of our citizens who are travelling in Turkey are equally well taken care of and protected. | |
| There was obviously an unfortunate loss of life and so we extend our sympathies to all of the families of the victims, and our hope that in the immediate hours here things will remain calm. That there will be a constitutional process, and a legal process, that will deal appropriately with coup-plotters. | |
| But as of this moment, Turkey’s co-operation with us with our coutner-terrorism efforts, in our Nato obligations and in our regional efforts with respect to Syria and Isis have not been affected negatively. All of that has continued as before. | |
| I’m sure people will wonder about allegations of who may have instigated this and where support came from, the United States will obviously be supportive of any legitimate investigative efforts and under due process and within the law, we will be completely supportive of efforts to assist the Government if they so request. | |
| 1.59pm BST | |
| 13:59 | |
| The Greek government says a Turkish Black Hawk helicopter will be returned to Turkey “as soon as possible” but it will examine the asylum demand made by eight military personnel who were arrested after landing, AP reports. | |
| Spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili said: “The government is in contact with the Turkish authorities for ... the return of the military helicopter as soon as possible.” | |
| As for the eight military passengers, she said: “We will follow the procedures of international law. However, we give very serious considerations to the fact that [the Turkish military men] are accused, in their country, of violating the constitutional order and trying to overthrow democracy.” | |
| Greek police said that the eight arrested Turks include two majors, four captains and two sergeants first class. This differs from Turkish sources that said they were two majors, a captain and five privates. | |
| Updated | |
| at 2.03pm BST | |
| 1.43pm BST | 1.43pm BST |
| 13:43 | 13:43 |
| Turkey’s state-run Anadolu agency says all soldiers involved in the attempted coup at the military headquarters in the capital, Ankara, have been taken into custody. | |
| The report says anti-terrorism police will now conduct a detailed search at the headquarters. | |
| Updated | |
| at 1.59pm BST | |
| 1.35pm BST | 1.35pm BST |
| 13:35 | 13:35 |
| Helena Smith | Helena Smith |
| Greece’s government spokeswoman, Olga Gerovasili, has announced the Athens government was in touch with its counterpart in Ankara over the landing of a Turkish military helicopter containing eight coup plotters in the northern border town of Alexandroupolis, Helena Smith reports. | |
| In the first official statement on the issue, Gerovasili said the military aircraft had been accompanied by two fighter jets into Greek airspace and would be returned to Turkey as soon as possible. Suggesting that crisis-hit Greece wanted nothing to do with the incident, she also suggested Greece would repatriate the eight military personnel aboard the helicopter. | |
| “The Greek government has been in touch with Turkish authorities in order to arrange the return as soon as possible of the military helicopter to Turkish authorities,” she said. “With regards to the eight arrestees, procedures foreseen by international law will be upheld although it is seriously being taken into account that in their country the arrested stand accused of violating constitutional law and attempting the overthrow of democracy.” | “The Greek government has been in touch with Turkish authorities in order to arrange the return as soon as possible of the military helicopter to Turkish authorities,” she said. “With regards to the eight arrestees, procedures foreseen by international law will be upheld although it is seriously being taken into account that in their country the arrested stand accused of violating constitutional law and attempting the overthrow of democracy.” |
| Updated | |
| at 1.58pm BST | |
| 1.23pm BST | 1.23pm BST |
| 13:23 | 13:23 |
| Turkish authorities have removed 2,745 judges from duty following the coup attempt, broadcaster NTV reported, citing a decision by the High Council of Judges and Prosectors (HSYK). | Turkish authorities have removed 2,745 judges from duty following the coup attempt, broadcaster NTV reported, citing a decision by the High Council of Judges and Prosectors (HSYK). |
| Five members of HSYK, Turkey’s highest judiciary board, were also removed, state-run Anadolu agency reported. | Five members of HSYK, Turkey’s highest judiciary board, were also removed, state-run Anadolu agency reported. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.34pm BST | at 1.34pm BST |
| 1.12pm BST | 1.12pm BST |
| 13:12 | 13:12 |
| Cleric blamed for coup denies involvement | Cleric blamed for coup denies involvement |
| US-based cleric Fethullah Gülen, who was blamed by President Erdogan for leading the attempted coup, has denied any involvement in the uprising, according to reports. | US-based cleric Fethullah Gülen, who was blamed by President Erdogan for leading the attempted coup, has denied any involvement in the uprising, according to reports. |
| Reuters have released a statement from Gülen that said he “categorically denies” the claims that he orchestrated the coup, and argued power should be won through free and fair elections. He also reportedly said Erdogan’s accusations were “especially insulting” as he suffered at the hands of multiple military coups in Turkey. | Reuters have released a statement from Gülen that said he “categorically denies” the claims that he orchestrated the coup, and argued power should be won through free and fair elections. He also reportedly said Erdogan’s accusations were “especially insulting” as he suffered at the hands of multiple military coups in Turkey. |
| “I condemn, in the strongest terms, the attempted military coup in Turkey … Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not force,” the statement said. “I pray to God for Turkey, for Turkish citizens and for all those currently in Turkey that this situation is resolved peacefully and quickly … As someone who suffered under multiple military coups during the past five decades, it is especially insulting to be accused of having any link to such an attempt. I categorically deny such accusations.” | “I condemn, in the strongest terms, the attempted military coup in Turkey … Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not force,” the statement said. “I pray to God for Turkey, for Turkish citizens and for all those currently in Turkey that this situation is resolved peacefully and quickly … As someone who suffered under multiple military coups during the past five decades, it is especially insulting to be accused of having any link to such an attempt. I categorically deny such accusations.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.35pm BST | at 1.35pm BST |
| 1.05pm BST | 1.05pm BST |
| 13:05 | 13:05 |
| Leaders of Turkey’s religious communities have released a joint statement condemning the attempted coup. | Leaders of Turkey’s religious communities have released a joint statement condemning the attempted coup. |
| The statement from representatives of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities declares “our great sorrow over the terrorist attacks that disturb the peace of our great nation and of the world”. | The statement from representatives of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities declares “our great sorrow over the terrorist attacks that disturb the peace of our great nation and of the world”. |
| The signatories include the president of Turkey’s directorate of religious affairs, Istanbul Greek Orthodox patriarch Bartholomeos and the chief rabbi of Turkey’s Jewish community. | The signatories include the president of Turkey’s directorate of religious affairs, Istanbul Greek Orthodox patriarch Bartholomeos and the chief rabbi of Turkey’s Jewish community. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.36pm BST | at 1.36pm BST |
| 12.40pm BST | 12.40pm BST |
| 12:40 | 12:40 |
| Lunchtime summary | Lunchtime summary |
| Jamie Grierson | Jamie Grierson |
| Here’s a summary of events in Turkey overnight and into Saturday: | Here’s a summary of events in Turkey overnight and into Saturday: |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.39pm BST | at 1.39pm BST |
| 12.28pm BST | 12.28pm BST |
| 12:28 | 12:28 |
| Here’s a round-up of global reaction to the failed coup in Turkey: | Here’s a round-up of global reaction to the failed coup in Turkey: |
| Britain | Britain |
| The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, said he had spoken to his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, to underline support for Turkey’s “democratic elected government and institutions” in the wake of the overnight coup attempt. | The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, said he had spoken to his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, to underline support for Turkey’s “democratic elected government and institutions” in the wake of the overnight coup attempt. |
| The Foreign Office is advising Britons in Turkey to stay indoors, avoid public places – especially demonstrations – and remain vigilant. | The Foreign Office is advising Britons in Turkey to stay indoors, avoid public places – especially demonstrations – and remain vigilant. |
| It says: “The situation now appears quieter in Istanbul, and the bridges across the Bosphorus are reopening. But there are reports of tank fire and small arms fire in Ankara.” | It says: “The situation now appears quieter in Istanbul, and the bridges across the Bosphorus are reopening. But there are reports of tank fire and small arms fire in Ankara.” |
| British Airways says it is canceling all flights to and from Turkey on Saturday, but easyJet says it plans to runs its scheduled flights, largely to Turkish resort towns. The budget airline says the schedule “will be kept under continuous review”. | British Airways says it is canceling all flights to and from Turkey on Saturday, but easyJet says it plans to runs its scheduled flights, largely to Turkish resort towns. The budget airline says the schedule “will be kept under continuous review”. |
| Nato | Nato |
| Nato’s chief says all alliance personnel and military units in Turkey are “safe and secure” following the attempted coup. | Nato’s chief says all alliance personnel and military units in Turkey are “safe and secure” following the attempted coup. |
| Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said in a Twitter post that he had spoken to Nato’s supreme commander, US Army Gen Curtis M Scapparrotti, who “confirms that all Nato personnel and units in Turkey are safe and secure”. | Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said in a Twitter post that he had spoken to Nato’s supreme commander, US Army Gen Curtis M Scapparrotti, who “confirms that all Nato personnel and units in Turkey are safe and secure”. |
| The alliance chief also tweeted that he welcomed “the strong support shown by the people and all political parties to democracy and to the democratically elected government of Turkey”. | The alliance chief also tweeted that he welcomed “the strong support shown by the people and all political parties to democracy and to the democratically elected government of Turkey”. |
| Spain | Spain |
| Spain’s acting foreign minister, Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo, condemned the attempted coup, telling Spanish national television that his government completely supports the Turkish government headed by President Erdogan. | Spain’s acting foreign minister, Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo, condemned the attempted coup, telling Spanish national television that his government completely supports the Turkish government headed by President Erdogan. |
| He said: “Without a doubt we support respecting the constitution and democratically elected institutions, and we condemn all coups without reservation.” | He said: “Without a doubt we support respecting the constitution and democratically elected institutions, and we condemn all coups without reservation.” |
| Garcia Margallo spoke by telephone from Mongolia, where he is attending the ASEM Asia-Europe Meeting. | Garcia Margallo spoke by telephone from Mongolia, where he is attending the ASEM Asia-Europe Meeting. |
| Syrian opposition | Syrian opposition |
| The exiled Syrian opposition congratulated the Turkish people for halting the attempted military coup. | The exiled Syrian opposition congratulated the Turkish people for halting the attempted military coup. |
| The Turkey-based Syrian National Coalition said Turkey has protected its democratic institutions “in the face of dark and desperate attempts that sought to take control of the popular will”. | The Turkey-based Syrian National Coalition said Turkey has protected its democratic institutions “in the face of dark and desperate attempts that sought to take control of the popular will”. |
| It says the Turkish people value democracy and “will not let a group of putschists take it away in a desperate attempt to restore military rule”. | It says the Turkish people value democracy and “will not let a group of putschists take it away in a desperate attempt to restore military rule”. |
| Turkey has been one of the main backers of the uprising against the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, and is hosting 2.7 million Syrian refugees. | Turkey has been one of the main backers of the uprising against the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, and is hosting 2.7 million Syrian refugees. |
| In the early hours of the attempted coup, celebratory gunfire broke out across Damascus. The government and its supporters view the rebels as terrorists and consider Turkey to be one of their chief sponsors. | In the early hours of the attempted coup, celebratory gunfire broke out across Damascus. The government and its supporters view the rebels as terrorists and consider Turkey to be one of their chief sponsors. |
| Hamas | Hamas |
| The Islamic militant group Hamas has congratulated Erdogan for quashing a “vicious” plot to overthrow him. | The Islamic militant group Hamas has congratulated Erdogan for quashing a “vicious” plot to overthrow him. |
| The Turkish leader has been a staunch supporter of Hamas and a fierce critic of Israel. Hamas says it remembers Turkey’s “wise leadership in supporting the Palestinian people and their cause” and working to lift the blockade on Gaza, the coastal territory ruled by the group. | The Turkish leader has been a staunch supporter of Hamas and a fierce critic of Israel. Hamas says it remembers Turkey’s “wise leadership in supporting the Palestinian people and their cause” and working to lift the blockade on Gaza, the coastal territory ruled by the group. |
| Hamas supporters took to the streets in several places across the Gaza Strip to celebrate the failure of the coup, raising Turkish flags and posters bearing Erdogan’s image. | Hamas supporters took to the streets in several places across the Gaza Strip to celebrate the failure of the coup, raising Turkish flags and posters bearing Erdogan’s image. |
| Turkey recently restored ties with Israel after a six-year lull following a deadly Israeli naval raid to stop an activist flotilla aiming to breach the Gaza blockade. | Turkey recently restored ties with Israel after a six-year lull following a deadly Israeli naval raid to stop an activist flotilla aiming to breach the Gaza blockade. |
| Qatar | Qatar |
| The Gulf nation of Qatar, which has close ties to Erdogan’s government, was quick to condemn the military coup attempt. | The Gulf nation of Qatar, which has close ties to Erdogan’s government, was quick to condemn the military coup attempt. |
| It called the attempted coup a “violation of the constitutional legitimacy” in Turkey and said it supports all legal measures the government takes to maintain security and stability. | It called the attempted coup a “violation of the constitutional legitimacy” in Turkey and said it supports all legal measures the government takes to maintain security and stability. |
| The official Qatar News Agency said the ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has spoken with Erdogan by phone to express Qatar’s support. | The official Qatar News Agency said the ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has spoken with Erdogan by phone to express Qatar’s support. |
| Qatar and Turkey have grown increasingly close in recent years, and share similar stances on their support for Syrian rebel groups and the Muslim Brotherhood. The two countries agreed last year to establish a Turkish military base in Qatar. | Qatar and Turkey have grown increasingly close in recent years, and share similar stances on their support for Syrian rebel groups and the Muslim Brotherhood. The two countries agreed last year to establish a Turkish military base in Qatar. |
| Iran | Iran |
| Iran said the attempted military coup in Turkey was “doomed to fail”. | Iran said the attempted military coup in Turkey was “doomed to fail”. |
| The foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, was quoted by the official IRNA news agency as praising the “brave defence by the people of Turkey of their democracy and elected government”. | The foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, was quoted by the official IRNA news agency as praising the “brave defence by the people of Turkey of their democracy and elected government”. |
| He said the events in neighbouring Turkey prove “that coup d’état has no place and is doomed to fail in our region”. | He said the events in neighbouring Turkey prove “that coup d’état has no place and is doomed to fail in our region”. |
| Pakistan | Pakistan |
| An aide to prime minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attempted coup in a statement and said Pakistan “hopes that peace and normalcy will be restored in Turkey”. | An aide to prime minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attempted coup in a statement and said Pakistan “hopes that peace and normalcy will be restored in Turkey”. |
| Tariq Fatimi also said he had contacted Turkey’s foreign minister to express solidarity with Turkey’s government and democratic institutions. | Tariq Fatimi also said he had contacted Turkey’s foreign minister to express solidarity with Turkey’s government and democratic institutions. |
| Pakistan’s main political parties have also praised the people of Turkey for foiling the coup. | Pakistan’s main political parties have also praised the people of Turkey for foiling the coup. |
| Sharif was himself overthrown in a 1999 coup led by Gen. Pervez Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan until 2008. | Sharif was himself overthrown in a 1999 coup led by Gen. Pervez Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan until 2008. |
| Afghanistan | Afghanistan |
| President Ashraf Ghani expressed support for Turkey’s elected government, saying in a statement that “democratic elections are the most effective means for peaceful transfer of power”. | President Ashraf Ghani expressed support for Turkey’s elected government, saying in a statement that “democratic elections are the most effective means for peaceful transfer of power”. |
| “Militaristic options will only undermine democratic institutions, stability and development in the country,” the statement from Ghani’s office said. | “Militaristic options will only undermine democratic institutions, stability and development in the country,” the statement from Ghani’s office said. |
| Azerbaijan | Azerbaijan |
| The president of Turkey’s neighbor Azerbaijan condemned the attempted coup. | The president of Turkey’s neighbor Azerbaijan condemned the attempted coup. |
| President Ilham Aliev was concerned about developments in Turkey and “welcomed measures taken to prevent the attempt at a coup and to stabilise the situation,” spokesman Ali Hasanov said. | President Ilham Aliev was concerned about developments in Turkey and “welcomed measures taken to prevent the attempt at a coup and to stabilise the situation,” spokesman Ali Hasanov said. |
| Azerbaijan is a Turkic nation and its late president Geidar Aliev once described their relations as “one nation, two states” – a phrase later echoed by TErdogan. | Azerbaijan is a Turkic nation and its late president Geidar Aliev once described their relations as “one nation, two states” – a phrase later echoed by TErdogan. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.49pm BST | at 1.49pm BST |
| 11.56am BST | 11.56am BST |
| 11:56 | 11:56 |
| Helena Smith | Helena Smith |
| In Greece, our correspondent Helena Smith is being told that the eight Turkish military personnel who sought asylum in the northern Greek town of Alexandoupolis have removed all insignia from their uniforms, making it impossible to know their ranks. She reports: | In Greece, our correspondent Helena Smith is being told that the eight Turkish military personnel who sought asylum in the northern Greek town of Alexandoupolis have removed all insignia from their uniforms, making it impossible to know their ranks. She reports: |
| “We are in the process of sending interpreters in order to be debriefed,” one insider said. “We are also in touch with the Turkish embassy. It is vital that we know what is going on.” | “We are in the process of sending interpreters in order to be debriefed,” one insider said. “We are also in touch with the Turkish embassy. It is vital that we know what is going on.” |
| Another said it was highly unlikely that the eight men would be granted asylum. | Another said it was highly unlikely that the eight men would be granted asylum. |
| Turkey and Greece, though Nato partners, are long-time adversaries, with Athens closely watching events in Ankara. | Turkey and Greece, though Nato partners, are long-time adversaries, with Athens closely watching events in Ankara. |
| As such, a defence expert said, this was the first time a Turkish military asset had landed in Greece with a view to seeking asylum in the country. | As such, a defence expert said, this was the first time a Turkish military asset had landed in Greece with a view to seeking asylum in the country. |
| The land borders between the neighbours have been reinforced but customs officials are clarifying that while the crossing between Greece and Turkey remains open (even if cross-border traffic has been reduced to a trickle), that between Turkey and Greece remains firmly closed. | The land borders between the neighbours have been reinforced but customs officials are clarifying that while the crossing between Greece and Turkey remains open (even if cross-border traffic has been reduced to a trickle), that between Turkey and Greece remains firmly closed. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 12.05pm BST | at 12.05pm BST |
| 11.53am BST | 11.53am BST |
| 11:53 | 11:53 |
| The Turkish president, Tayyip Erdogan, has sent a mass text message to Turkish mobile phones imploring Turks to “stand up” for democracy and peace. | The Turkish president, Tayyip Erdogan, has sent a mass text message to Turkish mobile phones imploring Turks to “stand up” for democracy and peace. |
| The message, which came from “RT ERDOGAN” and was signed with his full name, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, also called on people to take to the streets against a “narrow cadre”. | The message, which came from “RT ERDOGAN” and was signed with his full name, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, also called on people to take to the streets against a “narrow cadre”. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 12.06pm BST | at 12.06pm BST |