Turkey: Police to arrest 42 journalists over coup bid

By Murat Kaya

ISTANBUL (AA) - Arrest warrants were issued on Monday against 42 journalists in Turkey as part of an ongoing investigation into the July 15 coup attempt, a judicial source said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, the source said Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office ordered the arrests of the journalists including Nazli Ilicak, a well-known Turkish journalist and former parliamentarian.

Five journalists have been detained so far, the source said.

Last week's deadly coup attempt occurred when rogue elements in the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically-elected government.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly plot, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,100 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

Gulen is also accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the "parallel state".