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Turkey coup attempt: Erdoğan demands US arrest exiled cleric Gülen – live Turkey coup attempt: Erdoğan demands US arrest exiled cleric Gülen – live
(35 minutes later)
8.15pm BST
20:15
Anti-coup demonstrators, nearly all of whom draped in the red and white of the Turkish flag, have taken to the streets in cities around the country as their leaders asked them. Earlier on Saturday the president and prime minister called on people to return to pro-democracy demonstrations in case of a “second coup” attempt.
My colleague Kareem Shaheen is in the capital, Ankara, and Ghaith Abdul-Ahad is in Kassimpasa, president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Istanbul neighborhood.
Large crowds of several thousand people have gathered in Ankara’s central Kilizay Square, where Prime Minister Binali Yildirim was scheduled to make an appearance – but failed to show. The crowd hung around with several large portraits of Erdogan declaring him “Benim Baskanim” – “my president”.
In Kassimpasa, flag waiving crowds of mostly religious and conservative people – the backbone of Erdoğan’s ruling AKP party – were whipped to a frenzy by a speaker telling them: “you stood for your neighbor! Recent Tayyip is our son, and we went into the street to defend him!”
The crowd responded with songs repeating Erdoğan’s name, kids on motorbikes drove by waving flags and chanting and a stocky and bearded religious student named Emirrat said he would not leave the celebration for anything.
“I haven’t slept for 29 hours, this a very good day for us but the struggle will continue.”
Elsewhere in Istanbul, crowds have swarmed onto the main thoroughfares and most famous streets of the city.
Istiklal now. Masses answering government's call to take the streets. Turkey pic.twitter.com/3f4a7H0x0w
Updated
at 8.16pm BST
7.42pm BST7.42pm BST
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SummarySummary
As night falls almost a full day after a group within the military tried to stage a coup, president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reasserted control, detained thousands of people in the military and courts, and demanded that Barack Obama arrest or deport a political opponent.As night falls almost a full day after a group within the military tried to stage a coup, president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reasserted control, detained thousands of people in the military and courts, and demanded that Barack Obama arrest or deport a political opponent.
Related: Pentagon loses Turkish airspace access crucial in airstrikes against Isis targetsRelated: Pentagon loses Turkish airspace access crucial in airstrikes against Isis targets
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at 7.44pm BST at 7.46pm BST
7.23pm BST7.23pm BST
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Kareem ShaheenKareem Shaheen
At Numune hospital, the largest in Ankara, hundreds of wounded people have been brought for treatment, my colleague Kareem Shaheen reports.At Numune hospital, the largest in Ankara, hundreds of wounded people have been brought for treatment, my colleague Kareem Shaheen reports.
Cagri, a 29-year-old, was wounded by shrapnel when a military helicopter fired at loyalist security forces in his neighborhood of Kazan. “We just panicked,” he said.Cagri, a 29-year-old, was wounded by shrapnel when a military helicopter fired at loyalist security forces in his neighborhood of Kazan. “We just panicked,” he said.
A friend of his who was 2 miles away died in the fire from helicopter machine guns, he said. A taxi driver nearby grabbed him and took him to the hospital, where he had to lie down outside waiting to be treated because of the huge crowds of victims seeking help. Another friend lost his hand, Cagri said, his own shrapnel wounds in his chest and leg, bandaged. He added that has lost all feeling in his injured thigh.A friend of his who was 2 miles away died in the fire from helicopter machine guns, he said. A taxi driver nearby grabbed him and took him to the hospital, where he had to lie down outside waiting to be treated because of the huge crowds of victims seeking help. Another friend lost his hand, Cagri said, his own shrapnel wounds in his chest and leg, bandaged. He added that has lost all feeling in his injured thigh.
Osman Konmaz, an EMT, said he treated between 350 to 400 people in the attack’s aftermath. He described the most heartbreaking cases he saw: one man who lost his leg after it was run over by a tank, and another when he saw the body of a man who was crushed by a tank controlled by the coup plotters.Osman Konmaz, an EMT, said he treated between 350 to 400 people in the attack’s aftermath. He described the most heartbreaking cases he saw: one man who lost his leg after it was run over by a tank, and another when he saw the body of a man who was crushed by a tank controlled by the coup plotters.
“There was no humanity in any of this,” he said. Most of the injuries he saw were wounds from shrapnel or bullets. He said the incident took a grave psychological toll, and was even worse than the attack in Ankara last October by Isis that targeted a peace rally.“There was no humanity in any of this,” he said. Most of the injuries he saw were wounds from shrapnel or bullets. He said the incident took a grave psychological toll, and was even worse than the attack in Ankara last October by Isis that targeted a peace rally.
“This was the worst massacre I’ve ever witnessed,” he said, before alluding to a bombing months earlier. “At least October 10 was terror by a terrorist group, but this was done by our own military.”“This was the worst massacre I’ve ever witnessed,” he said, before alluding to a bombing months earlier. “At least October 10 was terror by a terrorist group, but this was done by our own military.”
Meanwhile people continued to gather at Kizilay Square, where prime minister Binali Yildirim is set to speak to the crowds.Meanwhile people continued to gather at Kizilay Square, where prime minister Binali Yildirim is set to speak to the crowds.
Large crowds in Ankara rally, cries of takbeer pic.twitter.com/TLTIkJKOUKLarge crowds in Ankara rally, cries of takbeer pic.twitter.com/TLTIkJKOUK
7.09pm BST7.09pm BST
19:0919:09
Kareem ShaheenKareem Shaheen
People have started amassing in the streets and squares of Ankara, my colleague Kareem Shaheen reports from Kizilay Square, which is awash in waves of red Turkish flags.People have started amassing in the streets and squares of Ankara, my colleague Kareem Shaheen reports from Kizilay Square, which is awash in waves of red Turkish flags.
There’s a carnival like atmosphere and a couple thousand protesters in Ankara’s Kizilay square, celebrating the coup’s defeat. Under towering portraits of President Erdogan that declare “we own democracy.”There’s a carnival like atmosphere and a couple thousand protesters in Ankara’s Kizilay square, celebrating the coup’s defeat. Under towering portraits of President Erdogan that declare “we own democracy.”
Protesters are chanting “the martyrs will not die, the country won’t be divided,” “God is great,” and praising Erdogan amid music and jubilant flag waving. One chant said: “There is no left or right wing, only Ankara, the last castle.”Protesters are chanting “the martyrs will not die, the country won’t be divided,” “God is great,” and praising Erdogan amid music and jubilant flag waving. One chant said: “There is no left or right wing, only Ankara, the last castle.”
Ahmet, a 23-year-old protester, said he came to the demonstrations to stand alongside the elected president, saying he had also joined civilians who marched upon the presidential palace last night against the military.Ahmet, a 23-year-old protester, said he came to the demonstrations to stand alongside the elected president, saying he had also joined civilians who marched upon the presidential palace last night against the military.
“We are here together against it, and if they try a second time, we will stay here,” he said“We are here together against it, and if they try a second time, we will stay here,” he said
A young couple who requested anonymity said they saw their presence as a defence of the homeland.A young couple who requested anonymity said they saw their presence as a defence of the homeland.
“They tried to divide our country,” said the man. “This is about our homeland and we will die for it, and they shot at us with their helicopters and their jets flew over our heads.”“They tried to divide our country,” said the man. “This is about our homeland and we will die for it, and they shot at us with their helicopters and their jets flew over our heads.”
The couple urged greater cooperation between Turkey’s political factions, saying the whole country was “one heart” in the immediate aftermath of the coup attempt.The couple urged greater cooperation between Turkey’s political factions, saying the whole country was “one heart” in the immediate aftermath of the coup attempt.
7.01pm BST7.01pm BST
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Gülen: Erdoğan could have staged coupGülen: Erdoğan could have staged coup
Amana Fontanella-KhanAmana Fontanella-Khan
In a rare interview with a small group of journalists at his residence in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, the reclusive Fethullah Gülen has told my colleague Amana Fontanella-Khan that he rejects all accusations that he was behind Friday’s coup attempt.In a rare interview with a small group of journalists at his residence in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, the reclusive Fethullah Gülen has told my colleague Amana Fontanella-Khan that he rejects all accusations that he was behind Friday’s coup attempt.
“I don’t believe that the world believes the accusations made by President Erdoğan,” Gülen said. “There is a possibility that it could be a staged coup and it could be meant for further accusations [against the Gulenists],” he said, a small prayer room, lined with woven rugs, decorated with Islamic calligraphy and leather bound religious books.“I don’t believe that the world believes the accusations made by President Erdoğan,” Gülen said. “There is a possibility that it could be a staged coup and it could be meant for further accusations [against the Gulenists],” he said, a small prayer room, lined with woven rugs, decorated with Islamic calligraphy and leather bound religious books.
Gülen said he rejects all military interventions, and said he has personally suffered every time a coup has happened in Turkey in recent years. “Now that Turkey is on the path to democracy, it cannot turn back,” he said.Gülen said he rejects all military interventions, and said he has personally suffered every time a coup has happened in Turkey in recent years. “Now that Turkey is on the path to democracy, it cannot turn back,” he said.
The last time the reclusive leader of the Gülen movement spoke live to international press was in 2014. Gülen rarely leaves the Golden Generation Worship and Retreat Center complex, where his movement offers religious instruction. The exiled imam is in fragile health. Before the interview he was attended to by a stethoscope-carrying physician who measured his blood pressure.The last time the reclusive leader of the Gülen movement spoke live to international press was in 2014. Gülen rarely leaves the Golden Generation Worship and Retreat Center complex, where his movement offers religious instruction. The exiled imam is in fragile health. Before the interview he was attended to by a stethoscope-carrying physician who measured his blood pressure.
The sprawling compound is guarded by around the clock security. Following the news of the coup, Alp Aslandogan, the executive director of Alliance for Shared Values, and the media advisor to Gülen, said that security is on “high alert” following threats of violence on social media.The sprawling compound is guarded by around the clock security. Following the news of the coup, Alp Aslandogan, the executive director of Alliance for Shared Values, and the media advisor to Gülen, said that security is on “high alert” following threats of violence on social media.
While Erdoğan is attempting to extradite Gülen for charges related to the coup Aslandogan said: “The US government position has always been that if there is any evidence of Mr Gulen breaking the laws, they will look into it.While Erdoğan is attempting to extradite Gülen for charges related to the coup Aslandogan said: “The US government position has always been that if there is any evidence of Mr Gulen breaking the laws, they will look into it.
“So far, the Turkish government hasn’t produced anything. Thank God, this is a country of laws, and we depend on that.”“So far, the Turkish government hasn’t produced anything. Thank God, this is a country of laws, and we depend on that.”
Elaborating on the idea that Erdoğan may have staged a coup, Aslandogan noted Friday’s events did not match the pattern previous coups have followed: “The coup appears to be poorly planned, very poorly executed and everything seems to be paying into Erdogan’s hands.”Elaborating on the idea that Erdoğan may have staged a coup, Aslandogan noted Friday’s events did not match the pattern previous coups have followed: “The coup appears to be poorly planned, very poorly executed and everything seems to be paying into Erdogan’s hands.”
“There are many big question marks of how [this attempted coup] was executed,” he added.“There are many big question marks of how [this attempted coup] was executed,” he added.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.18pm BSTat 7.18pm BST
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The crowd shouts to Erdoğan that it wants the death penalty for coup plotters – the president responds by saying “these demands may be discussed in parliament”.The crowd shouts to Erdoğan that it wants the death penalty for coup plotters – the president responds by saying “these demands may be discussed in parliament”.
Turkey’s prime minister has already hinted that the country may reinstate the death penalty, fully abolished in 2004 under Erdoğan’s administration, may be restored.Turkey’s prime minister has already hinted that the country may reinstate the death penalty, fully abolished in 2004 under Erdoğan’s administration, may be restored.
Erdoğan pauses as minarets sound in the background. Then he declares: “the army is ours, not that of the parallel structure – I am the chief commander!”Erdoğan pauses as minarets sound in the background. Then he declares: “the army is ours, not that of the parallel structure – I am the chief commander!”
He promises he will “clean out” coup supporters from the military and government.He promises he will “clean out” coup supporters from the military and government.
Then Erdoğan again brings up Gülen, saying that the US should cooperate with his demands and that Turkey has extradited terrorists demanded by American officials. Once this “head of terror” is removed from exile, Erdoğan says, Turkey can have true change.Then Erdoğan again brings up Gülen, saying that the US should cooperate with his demands and that Turkey has extradited terrorists demanded by American officials. Once this “head of terror” is removed from exile, Erdoğan says, Turkey can have true change.
#BREAKING Erdoğan says those involved in coup attempt was a tumour inside military, they are being cleared pic.twitter.com/cMc5MG0fj1#BREAKING Erdoğan says those involved in coup attempt was a tumour inside military, they are being cleared pic.twitter.com/cMc5MG0fj1
6.39pm BST6.39pm BST
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Erdoğan calls on Obama to arrest GülenErdoğan calls on Obama to arrest Gülen
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is speaking from Istanbul, where he calls on Barack Obama to arrest cleric Fethullah Gülen or deport him to Turkey to face charges related to the coup.President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is speaking from Istanbul, where he calls on Barack Obama to arrest cleric Fethullah Gülen or deport him to Turkey to face charges related to the coup.
He says that if the US and Turkey are truly strategic allies, then the American president will help Erdoğan with regard to the exiled imam, who lives in central Pennsylvania.He says that if the US and Turkey are truly strategic allies, then the American president will help Erdoğan with regard to the exiled imam, who lives in central Pennsylvania.
Erdoğan then says that the attempted coup was perpetrated by a minority within the army, but not the military in general. More than 2,800 service members have been arrested so far and there are reports of more arrests around Turkey. Erdoğan’s government has also removed more than 2,700 judges and prosecutors from duty.Erdoğan then says that the attempted coup was perpetrated by a minority within the army, but not the military in general. More than 2,800 service members have been arrested so far and there are reports of more arrests around Turkey. Erdoğan’s government has also removed more than 2,700 judges and prosecutors from duty.
Earlier on Saturday secretary of state John Kerry said the US would consider an extradition request, but had not yet received one and would require evidence of wrongdoing.Earlier on Saturday secretary of state John Kerry said the US would consider an extradition request, but had not yet received one and would require evidence of wrongdoing.
#BREAKING Turkish President Erdoğan speaks live, calls U.S to hand over Fethullah Gulen to if U.S is strategic ally pic.twitter.com/N1hYKzuUBR#BREAKING Turkish President Erdoğan speaks live, calls U.S to hand over Fethullah Gulen to if U.S is strategic ally pic.twitter.com/N1hYKzuUBR
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.19pm BSTat 7.19pm BST
6.15pm BST6.15pm BST
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Kareem ShaheenKareem Shaheen
Calm fell on Ankara in the aftermath of chaos and battles with soldiers, my colleague Kareem Shaheen reports, but the city anticipates new demonstrations as night falls and the weather cools.Calm fell on Ankara in the aftermath of chaos and battles with soldiers, my colleague Kareem Shaheen reports, but the city anticipates new demonstrations as night falls and the weather cools.
Crowds are relatively thin and resting near the parliament and military headquarters in anticipation of the big demonstration later this evening. There are regular and plainclothes policemen in the central area who have established a security cordon around the parliament and the military headquarters, both of which were damaged in attacks during the coup.Crowds are relatively thin and resting near the parliament and military headquarters in anticipation of the big demonstration later this evening. There are regular and plainclothes policemen in the central area who have established a security cordon around the parliament and the military headquarters, both of which were damaged in attacks during the coup.
I witnessed a debate between two police officers and a group of civilians – one of the police officers was telling them the regular soldiers aren’t to blame because they were just following orders. But a woman who was debating them said she blamed them for opening fire on civilians and expressed outrage that they had taken such a step.As the group dispersed, one of the police officers said: “Let’s show them today how strong we are.”I witnessed a debate between two police officers and a group of civilians – one of the police officers was telling them the regular soldiers aren’t to blame because they were just following orders. But a woman who was debating them said she blamed them for opening fire on civilians and expressed outrage that they had taken such a step.As the group dispersed, one of the police officers said: “Let’s show them today how strong we are.”
6.07pm BST6.07pm BST
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American military flights have been halted at the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey, according to the Pentagon.American military flights have been halted at the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey, according to the Pentagon.
“The Turkish government has closed its airspace to military aircraft, and as a result air operations at Incirlik Air Base have been halted at this time,” spokesperson Peter Cook said in a statement.“The Turkish government has closed its airspace to military aircraft, and as a result air operations at Incirlik Air Base have been halted at this time,” spokesperson Peter Cook said in a statement.
“Officials are working with the Turks to resume air operations there as soon as possible. In the meantime, US Central Command is adjusting flight operations in the counter-ISIL campaign to minimize any effects on the campaign. US facilities at Incirlik are operating on internal power sources and a loss of commercial power to the base has not affected base operations.”“Officials are working with the Turks to resume air operations there as soon as possible. In the meantime, US Central Command is adjusting flight operations in the counter-ISIL campaign to minimize any effects on the campaign. US facilities at Incirlik are operating on internal power sources and a loss of commercial power to the base has not affected base operations.”
Turkey’s foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has said that coup plotters were at the air base and have been arrested, Reuters reports. Çavuşoğlu promised the anti-terror campaign will resume once anti-coup operations have ended.Turkey’s foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has said that coup plotters were at the air base and have been arrested, Reuters reports. Çavuşoğlu promised the anti-terror campaign will resume once anti-coup operations have ended.
He added that he’s spoken to US secretary of state John Kerry and stressed to him that the coup was launched by a network associated with exiled cleric Fethullah Gülen.He added that he’s spoken to US secretary of state John Kerry and stressed to him that the coup was launched by a network associated with exiled cleric Fethullah Gülen.
In 2015 Turkey agreed to let the US fly military strikes out of the base against jihadi militants in Syria and Iraq. Earlier on Saturday Kerry said that “as of this moment” Turkey’s coordination with the US on counter-terrorism was unchanged.In 2015 Turkey agreed to let the US fly military strikes out of the base against jihadi militants in Syria and Iraq. Earlier on Saturday Kerry said that “as of this moment” Turkey’s coordination with the US on counter-terrorism was unchanged.
“Turkey’s cooperation 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,” he said. “All of that has continued as before.”“Turkey’s cooperation 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,” he said. “All of that has continued as before.”
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The White House does not know of any Americans killed or injured in clashes overnight in Turkey, according to a statement on Barack Obama’s latest briefing.The White House does not know of any Americans killed or injured in clashes overnight in Turkey, according to a statement on Barack Obama’s latest briefing.
In the statement Obama reiterates the need for continued coordination with Turkey, with which the US relies on for military and intelligence support and stemming the flow of refugees from Syria.In the statement Obama reiterates the need for continued coordination with Turkey, with which the US relies on for military and intelligence support and stemming the flow of refugees from Syria.
“The president this morning received an update from his national security and broader foreign policy team on the situation in Turkey. The president’s advisers apprised him of the most recent developments on the ground, and the president instructed his team to continue to work with their Turkish counterparts to maintain the safety and well-being of diplomatic missions and personnel, US servicemembers and their dependents.“The president this morning received an update from his national security and broader foreign policy team on the situation in Turkey. The president’s advisers apprised him of the most recent developments on the ground, and the president instructed his team to continue to work with their Turkish counterparts to maintain the safety and well-being of diplomatic missions and personnel, US servicemembers and their dependents.
“While we have no indications as of yet that Americans were killed or injured in the violence, the president and his team lamented the loss of life and registered the vital need for all parties in Turkey to act within the rule of law and to avoid actions that would lead to further violence or instability. The president also underscored the shared challenges that will require continued Turkish cooperation, including our joint efforts against terrorism.”“While we have no indications as of yet that Americans were killed or injured in the violence, the president and his team lamented the loss of life and registered the vital need for all parties in Turkey to act within the rule of law and to avoid actions that would lead to further violence or instability. The president also underscored the shared challenges that will require continued Turkish cooperation, including our joint efforts against terrorism.”
Related: Turkey coup attempt could destabilize ally in region reeling from terrorismRelated: Turkey coup attempt could destabilize ally in region reeling from terrorism
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Turkey detains top general and judgeTurkey detains top general and judge
Turkish authorities have detained one of the military’s top generals and a member of the nation’s highest court, according to Anadolu news and CNN Türk.Turkish authorities have detained one of the military’s top generals and a member of the nation’s highest court, according to Anadolu news and CNN Türk.
Reuters has background on the officials:Reuters has background on the officials:
General Adem Huduti is the most senior officer to be apprehended so far following the attempted intervention that killed more than 160 people. The Second Army, based in Malatya, protects Turkey’s borders with Syria, Iraq and Iran.General Adem Huduti is the most senior officer to be apprehended so far following the attempted intervention that killed more than 160 people. The Second Army, based in Malatya, protects Turkey’s borders with Syria, Iraq and Iran.
Alparslan Altan is a member of the country’s top court and the most senior judicial figure among scores of civilians detained so far.Alparslan Altan is a member of the country’s top court and the most senior judicial figure among scores of civilians detained so far.
#Turkey BREAKING: government forces have arrested Adem Huduti who commands the 2nd Army pic.twitter.com/xNcrGJGE7n#Turkey BREAKING: government forces have arrested Adem Huduti who commands the 2nd Army pic.twitter.com/xNcrGJGE7n
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What we knowWhat we know
Nearly 18 hours after Turkish tanks and soldiers first closed bridges in Istanbul and a group within the military declared itself in control to “to reinstall the constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms”, the coup has failed and the backlash begun.Nearly 18 hours after Turkish tanks and soldiers first closed bridges in Istanbul and a group within the military declared itself in control to “to reinstall the constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms”, the coup has failed and the backlash begun.
Related: 'It was like 1970s': how soldiers on the street tested Turkey's post-coup politicsRelated: 'It was like 1970s': how soldiers on the street tested Turkey's post-coup politics
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at 6.28pm BSTat 6.28pm BST
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PM Yildirim: any country with Gulen is an enemy of TurkeyPM Yildirim: any country with Gulen is an enemy of Turkey
Any country that stands by exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen will be considered an enemy of Turkey, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has said in remarks reported by Reuters.Any country that stands by exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen will be considered an enemy of Turkey, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has said in remarks reported by Reuters.
Yildirim and president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have accused Gulen, who lives at a remote compound in central Pennsylvania, of orchestrating the coup with a faction of the military. They have said that Gulen created a “parallel structure” within the courts, media and military.Yildirim and president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have accused Gulen, who lives at a remote compound in central Pennsylvania, of orchestrating the coup with a faction of the military. They have said that Gulen created a “parallel structure” within the courts, media and military.
Gulen has condemned “in the strongest terms the attempted military coup” and “categorically” denied any involvement. “Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not force,” he said in a statement.Gulen has condemned “in the strongest terms the attempted military coup” and “categorically” denied any involvement. “Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not force,” he said in a statement.
Speaking in parliament, Yildirim also said that he hopes Turkey’s political parties will be able to set aside their past enmity and have a “new start” together.Speaking in parliament, Yildirim also said that he hopes Turkey’s political parties will be able to set aside their past enmity and have a “new start” together.
American secretary of state John Kerry said earlier on Saturday that the US has not received any extradition request and would hear a petition. But he made clear that the US would require evidence of Gulen’s wrongdoing.American secretary of state John Kerry said earlier on Saturday that the US has not received any extradition request and would hear a petition. But he made clear that the US would require evidence of Gulen’s wrongdoing.
“I’m sure people will wonder about allegations of who may have instigated this and where support came from,” he said. “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.”“I’m sure people will wonder about allegations of who may have instigated this and where support came from,” he said. “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.”
Kerry added that he hopes: “that there will be a constitutional process, and a legal process, that will deal appropriately with coup-plotters.”Kerry added that he hopes: “that there will be a constitutional process, and a legal process, that will deal appropriately with coup-plotters.”
Related: Fethullah Gülen: who is the man Turkey's president blames for coup attempt?Related: Fethullah Gülen: who is the man Turkey's president blames for coup attempt?
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In Ankara my colleague Kareem Shaheen is with the scores of people celebrating in the aftermath of the failed coup – he reports that police and the loyal military factions are preparing for more trouble later today, despite the joyous atmosphere.In Ankara my colleague Kareem Shaheen is with the scores of people celebrating in the aftermath of the failed coup – he reports that police and the loyal military factions are preparing for more trouble later today, despite the joyous atmosphere.
Carnival atmosphere in Ankara's Kizilay right now celebrating the coup's defeat pic.twitter.com/XjEXdyE0cFCarnival atmosphere in Ankara's Kizilay right now celebrating the coup's defeat pic.twitter.com/XjEXdyE0cF
Police cordon near damaged parliament and military HQ buildings in central Ankara pic.twitter.com/fjhFiLCHC7Police cordon near damaged parliament and military HQ buildings in central Ankara pic.twitter.com/fjhFiLCHC7
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Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, said that the community should have a unified reaction to every coup attempt, according to the state-run news agency.Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, said that the community should have a unified reaction to every coup attempt, according to the state-run news agency.
Speaking to Turkey’s private news channel NTV, Kilicidaroglu took a stand against a military coup attempt, Anadolu agency.Speaking to Turkey’s private news channel NTV, Kilicidaroglu took a stand against a military coup attempt, Anadolu agency.
“Community should give joint reaction to every coup attempt,” he said.“Community should give joint reaction to every coup attempt,” he said.
“So, whoever does, wherever it comes, we should take a joint stand against the coup as we take a joint stand against terrorism.”“So, whoever does, wherever it comes, we should take a joint stand against the coup as we take a joint stand against terrorism.”
The head of the Turkish Nationalist Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli made a telephone call to Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and said the attempted coup was not acceptable, according to a report from the Turkish state-run agency.The head of the Turkish Nationalist Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli made a telephone call to Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and said the attempted coup was not acceptable, according to a report from the Turkish state-run agency.
According to a statement form the Turkish Prime Ministry, Bahceli said his party is in solidarity with Turkish Republic, Anadolu agency reports.According to a statement form the Turkish Prime Ministry, Bahceli said his party is in solidarity with Turkish Republic, Anadolu agency reports.
In a written statement, Bahceli said an attempt at suspending democracy and ignoring the national will is a big mistake against Turkey.In a written statement, Bahceli said an attempt at suspending democracy and ignoring the national will is a big mistake against Turkey.
“The price Turkey will pay will be considerably high in the event of a civil war in Turkey. As Turkish people, we need to be distant to all kinds of interventions risking our national unity and integrity,” he said.“The price Turkey will pay will be considerably high in the event of a civil war in Turkey. As Turkish people, we need to be distant to all kinds of interventions risking our national unity and integrity,” he said.
In a joint written statement, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) co-chairs, Selehattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, said: “HDP takes a stand against every coup in every condition.”In a joint written statement, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) co-chairs, Selehattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, said: “HDP takes a stand against every coup in every condition.”
“There is no way beside protecting the democratic politics,” it added.“There is no way beside protecting the democratic politics,” it added.