Turkey effectively fighting terrorism: Justice min.

By Levent Kisi

ANTALYA, Turkey (AA) – Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul on Saturday said Turkey has effectively continued its fight against terrorism.

"As of today, 38,470 FETO, 10,079 PKK, 1,354 Daesh members have been remanded or convicted in Turkey,” Gul said at a meeting in southern Antalya province.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.

"Turkey has been fighting terrorism effectively, in line with the constitution and related laws," he added.

Gul said unity and peace in the country relied on the judiciary.

“The future of the country also relies on justice. The judicial system should be our most protected front.”

Gul said more than 4 million probes were launched by prosecutors in 2017.

More than 6 million new cases were heard by the high criminal courts in 2017, Gul added.

Turkish security forces have been involved in a long-running campaign to thwart Daesh attacks.

More than 300 people lost their lives in Daesh-claimed attacks in Turkey, where the terror organization has targeted civilians in suicide bomb, rocket and gun attacks.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey as well as the U.S. and EU. In its over three-decade-long terror campaign against Turkey, over 40,000 people have been killed, including women and children.