Since Turkey’s attempted coup on 15 July, thousands of people have been arrested or lost their jobs. The media in particular has incurred Erdogan’s ire with at least 130 organisations shut down. These include some 45 newspapers, 29 publishing houses, 23 radio stations, 16 TV stations and three news agencies.
47 arrest warrants were also issued for journalists working for the Zaman newspaper, the biggest opposition newspaper in circulation before it was shut down in March. Western governments and human rights groups have condemned the attempted coup but have also voiced concerns about Erdogan’s far-reaching crackdown.
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The Targets Of Erdogan’s Purge
Tens of thousands of people have attended a pro-democracy rally in Istanbul’s Taksim Square to condemn Turkey’s attempted coup. Organised by opposition party CHP, the event was also backed by Erdogan’s AK party in a rare show of unity. Although the CHP leader claimed the failed coup was a victory for democracy, he also warned about the dangers of authoritarianism.
Since the coup, Erdogan has launched a widespread crackdown with thousands of people arrested or losing their jobs. According to the BBC, these include 21, 000 teachers who have had their licenses revoked, 15, 200 education ministry officials who have lost their jobs and at least 7, 500 soldiers who have been detained. Around 250 people were killed when elements of the military deployed tanks, fighter jets and helicopters in a bid to overthrow Erdogan’s government.
This chart shows media organisations closed by the Turkish government.
You will find more statistics at Statista
