17 July 2016•Update: 18 July 2016
ANKARA
Turkish academics Sunday firmly denounced Friday’s failed coup attempt.
In a statement, the Turkish Inter-University Council said it “strongly condemns the recent coup attempt to overthrow the democratically elected legitimate Government of Turkey.”
“Serving as an active voice of freedom and democracy, our universities will never accept this attempt targeted towards our national will and democracy.”
The council called on all universities, academics, and students in Turkey to “support the future of our nation and to stand against unacceptable and shameful attempt towards our nation and our national will, and our established democracy.”
The failed coup is said to have been organized by followers of U.S.-based 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, forming the so-called “parallel state.”
Friday night saw military elements make a “vile” attempt to overthrow Turkey’s elected government, according to Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. Around 160 people were martyred in the ensuing violence.
Some 2,839 military personnel involved in the coup attempt have been arrested, and 20 pro-coup soldiers, including some senior officers, were killed in the attempt to overthrow the government.
Turkey accuses Gulen of being behind the coup and called for him to return to Turkey to face trial.
