Turkey issues arrest warrants for coup-linked suspects

By Ferdi Turkten

ANKARA

Prosecutors in Ankara on Wednesday issued arrest warrants for 143 suspected of membership of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), a judicial source said.

They are also accused of financing the group, which is said to have orchestrated last year’s coup attempt.

Fifteen of those sought by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office have been arrested, the official said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Among the suspects are executives linked to 36 FETO institutions abroad.

The July 15 defeated coup left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured. Thousands have since been arrested over ties to FETO, which Ankara accuses of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state.