Turkey: Over 10,000 linked to failed coup in custody

By Burcu Calik

ANKARA

Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party Deputy Chairman Yasin Aktay has said the coup attempt united the country’s people.

Speaking late on Thursday during a news conference at party headquarters in Ankara, Aktay said: "Our people used themselves as shields against the tanks and bullets. However we had many martyrs. There are now 246 martyred people, including 62 police officers and five soldiers. The rest are civilians."

Aktay stated that 2,185 people were wounded; 461 are being treated in hospitals and the rest have been released.

He also listed detention figures: “Ten thousand four hundred and ten suspects, including 287 police officers, 7,423 soldiers, 2,014 judiciary members and 686 civilians have been taken into custody so far.

"The proceedings of the detainees are being made in a rapid way. Four thousand and sixty have been arrested after the first proceedings. There are 151 police officers, 2,430 soldiers, 1,386 judges and prosecutors; 93 civilians are among the arrested ones.

“Five hundred and forty nine people have been released under control. Two hundred and twenty were released.

"Five thousand five hundred and eighty one peoples’ detention proceedings are ongoing. Twenty four pro-coup people were seized … dead and 49 others were seized as injured," Aktay added.

The Turkish government has said the failed military coup was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

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