Turkey’s EU Ministry dismisses 6 over coup bid links

By Meltem Bulur

ANKARA – Turkey’s EU ministry on Friday dismissed six staff members as part of an ongoing probe into the July 15 coup attempt.

At least 16 others were suspended from duty over alleged links with the U.S.-based preacher, Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of being the mastermind of the coup plot, ministry sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to media.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly coup attempt on July 15, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,100 others, was organized by followers of Gulen.

Gulen is also accused of running 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.

*Hale Turkes contributed to this story from Ankara.