Turkey; Government Supporters and Opponents Join Forces in a March Against the Coup

Tens of thousands of Turkish citizens, both supporters of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and government opponents, participated in a march on July 24 in opposition to the failed coup and in support of 'Republic and Democracy.' The coup attempt last week left at least 246 dead and over two thousand injured. Following this, Erdoğan's government undertook a widespread purge in military, police, judicial, and governmental organizations, facing criticism from the West and human rights monitoring organizations. Nevertheless, the Sunday march in Istanbul became a venue for rival political groups; Erdoğan-supporting television networks broadcasted a speech by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, leader of the opposition 'Republican People's Party.' The secular Republican People's Party is the main opposition party to the 'Justice and Development' government. In his speech, Kılıçdaroğlu stated, 'Today is a day of solidarity, a day we stand against dictatorship and coup, a day when the voice of the people is heard.' He added, 'Today we are all gathered together. Today is the day we shape history.' Simultaneously, the commander of the Turkish Air Force emphasized 'complete obedience' to the country's Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement. Despite this, concerns about Erdoğan's government's response to the failed coup continue to grow. On the same day that supporters and opponents of the government took to the streets of Istanbul, Amnesty International announced that it had obtained 'credible evidence' indicating that some of the detainees following the coup had been 'subjected to abuse, torture, and even rape.' France Press reported that an unnamed Turkish official rejected this report, asserting that Ankara adheres to 'human rights standards.' Reports indicate that over 13,000 people have currently been detained, most of whom are soldiers, military officers, judges, prosecutors, and police forces. The final statement of the large march in Istanbul declared that 'Turkey must be completely cleansed of any conspiracy.' In this statement issued by the 'Republican People's Party,' it was said, 'The country must not be left in the hands of violence and revenge. The fight against the coup conspiracy must be conducted with respect for the rule of law and through legal means.' Major opposition parties condemned the coup from the early hours after it was announced by a group of Turkish military personnel.