Reports of Torture, Rape as Backlash Continues over Failed Turkish Coup
Two weeks after a failed coup against the government, Turkey is carrying out a brutal crackdown on suspected enemies across all spheres of society.
Sixteen-thousand people have been detained over suspected links to the uprising, including 10,000 soldiers. More than 45,000 people have been suspended or removed from their jobs.
Dozens of news agencies, TV channels, and newspapers have been shut down. Arrest warrants have been issued for 89 journalists, including Sahin Alpay, a former columnist for the Zaman newspaper.
The publication has been linked to U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Turkish government accuses of masterminding the coup.
"I have committed no crimes," Alpay declared as he was being detained Wednesday by police. When asked why he was being detained, he answered, "I don't know why. I'll find out now."
Turkey's Supreme Military Council has already cashiered close to 1,700 officers, including 149 generals and admirals. More dismissals are coming Thursday.
Amnesty International calls it a "brutal backlash." There have been reports that some in custody have been tortured and raped. Some have been hogtied for two days.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also indicated Turkey might restore the death penalty to use it against the coup plotters. But that would effectively doom Turkey's bid to join the European Union.
