Turkey Issues Arrest Warrant for 189 More Judges and Prosecutors

Turkey's state news agency reported on Friday, October 15, that the government has issued arrest warrants for 189 more judges and prosecutors as part of a broad investigation into the failed coup attempt in July. According to the Associated Press, the Turkish government has accused Fethullah Gülen, a religious figure residing in the United States, of orchestrating and leading the coup. However, Gülen has denied any involvement in the coup. Since the failed coup, the government has initiated a widespread crackdown and arrests. Over 32,000 people are currently in prison awaiting trial, and more than 100,000 personnel from the armed forces, police, judiciary, and other government institutions have been dismissed or suspended. Anadolu Agency reported that those whose arrest warrants were issued on Friday are accused of using an encrypted messaging app that the Turkish government claims Gülen's supporters used to communicate. These individuals include several judges and prosecutors from the Supreme Court and high courts of government institutions. Simultaneously, on Friday, a senior human rights official from the European Union stated that the Turkish government must respect the law and human rights standards when dealing with individuals suspected of involvement in the failed coup in July to maintain its credibility as a country that has managed to reconcile democracy and Islam. Thorbjorn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, told the Associated Press that providing a fair and public trial for the thousands who have been arrested or dismissed after the coup would benefit Europe and the region. It would also send a clear message to groups that 'commit terrorist acts under the guise of Islam.' Jagland added that the Turkish government must ensure that all judicial standards regarding the detained individuals are respected and that the evidence collected against them is legitimate and lawful.