Turkish Officials Dismiss Hundreds of Military Personnel and Shut Down Over 130 Media Outlets

Turkish officials announced on Wednesday, August 6, that more than 2,400 military personnel have been dismissed and over 130 print, visual, and audio media outlets have been shut down. This action follows a widespread crackdown after the failed coup attempt ten days ago. Reuters, citing the Turkish television network 'CNN Turk', reported that 726 military officers and 1,684 soldiers have been released from military service. Additionally, three news agencies, 16 television channels, 23 radio stations, and 45 newspapers have also been closed. The network previously reported that Turkish authorities have issued arrest warrants for 47 other journalists in the country. These journalists had worked for the 'Zaman' newspaper, which was shut down in March. Previously, arrest warrants had been issued for 42 Turkish journalists. The recent actions by the Turkish government in purging and suppressing media are likely to raise further concerns among human rights groups and Ankara's Western allies. In the failed coup attempt on July 15 and 16, 290 people were killed. Since then, thousands have been arrested in the country on charges of involvement in the coup. Tens of thousands more have been purged from government, military, and educational institutions during the cleanups. Amnesty International states that there is credible evidence indicating that hundreds of recent detainees in Turkey have been tortured. This human rights organization announced on August 3 that following the recent wave of arrests in Turkey, some detainees have been beaten or tortured in official or unofficial detention centers. The Turkish government has repeatedly stated since the coup's failure that Fethullah Gülen, a religious cleric residing in the U.S., and his organization were behind the coup plotters. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim stated on Wednesday that the U.S.-Turkey alliance should go beyond legal norms and that the United States should extradite Fethullah Gülen to Turkey. Yildirim said that America's response to this issue 'broke our hearts.' The U.S. has stated that the extradition of Mr. Gülen must follow legal procedures, which has created tension in Ankara-Washington relations.