"This virus, like a cancer, has spread throughout the state apparatus. We have informed all relevant authorities,” Erdogan said, stressing that those members of the organization in the military are being arrested in all ranks.
"This country has legislative, executive, and judicial [bodies]. They [the members of FETO] even tried to trigger a confrontation between these bodies, but they failed.
“Since yesterday, the judiciary has been cleansed of these elements, they were put in custody, dismissed and imprisoned. This was necessary, but that is not enough,” Erdogan said.
On calls by some to restore the death penalty, Erdogan said: "The demands of the people cannot be overlooked in democracies. It is your right. This right shall be examined within the constitutional framework by the concerned authorities.”
Erdogan added, “We do not seek revenge. We must think about every step this way.”
Around 3,000 military personnel have been arrested, and last night a senior prosecutor ordered the arrest of nearly 2,750 judges accused of links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization alleged to be behind the coup, according to Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag.
The government has said the attempted coup was organized by followers of US-based preacher Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the government through supporters within the Turkish state, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.
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