Turkey's state news agency reports that Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the country's president, has ordered the closure of 2341 civil and educational institutions. Anadolu Agency reported on Saturday, July 23, that at Erdogan's directive, 1043 private schools, 1229 charitable foundations, 19 labor unions, 15 universities, and 35 medical institutions in Turkey will be shut down. All these institutions have been accused by Erdogan's government of being 'connected' to Fethullah Gülen, Erdogan's political rival who resides in the United States. On Saturday, it was also reported that by Erdogan's order, his government forces are now allowed to detain suspects for up to 30 days without charges. These actions come in the wake of a recent failed coup against Erdogan's government and are part of the 'state of emergency' declared by Erdogan's government since Thursday. The declared 'state of emergency' also allows the Turkish president and government to enact laws without parliamentary approval and to restrict individual rights and freedoms without the need for approval from other institutions. Following the recent failed coup in Turkey, Erdogan's government has also dismissed 37,500 civil servants and police officers and revoked the work permits of 21,000 teachers. The Turkish Higher Education Council has also banned academic trips abroad and requested individuals currently on missions abroad to return to the country immediately. Federica Mogherini, the EU's foreign policy chief, and Johannes Hahn, the EU Commissioner, have expressed concern over developments in Turkey, including the declaration of a state of emergency, and have described the government's actions against educational institutions and media after the failed coup as 'unacceptable.' In this context, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany's foreign minister, has also urged Turkey to limit the duration of the state of emergency and to end it as soon as possible. International human rights organizations have also strongly criticized the Turkish government's actions in response to the failed coup.
Erdogan's Order to Close Over 2300 Civil and Educational Institutions in Turkey
President Erdogan has ordered the closure of over 2300 institutions in Turkey, including schools and charities, accusing them of ties to his political rival Fethullah Gülen. This crackdown follows a failed coup attempt and is part of a broader state of emergency that allows the government to bypass parliamentary approval for laws and restrict individual freedoms.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
President Erdogan has ordered the closure of over 2300 institutions in Turkey, including schools and charities, accusing them of ties to his political rival Fethullah Gülen. This crackdown follows a failed coup attempt and is part of a broader state of emergency that allows the government to bypass parliamentary approval for laws and restrict individual freedoms.
- 2341 institutions are being closed, including schools, charities, and universities.
- The state of emergency allows the government to detain suspects without charges for up to 30 days.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Turkey has been experiencing political turmoil, especially following the failed coup attempt against Erdogan, which has led to widespread purges and restrictions on freedoms.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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