Turkish PM Yildirim says risk of second coup attempt not over

“The danger has not ended but our citizens should not be anxious,” Yildirim told reporters, adding that Turkey’s institutions were guided by the rule of law, not by any desire for revenge, in dealing with the aftermath of the failed coup.

A coup was attempted by the military nearly a week ago in an attempt to overthrow the government.

Turkish authorities ordered 2,745 judges and prosecutors to be detained over the coup as the government cracked down on suspected followers of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. President Tayyip Erdogan had said Gulen’s followers were behind the coup on Friday night that attempted to topple him.

The Turkish president on Thursday announced a three-month state of emergency.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the measure was being taken to counter threats to Turkish democracy and wasn’t intended to curb basic freedoms. He spoke after a meeting with Cabinet ministers and top security advisers.

“The aim is to rapidly and effectively take all steps needed to eliminate the threat against democracy, the rule of law and the people’s rights and freedoms,” Erdogan said.

Some 60,000 soldiers, police, judges, civil servants and teachers have been suspended or detained since the military coup attempt.

(with inputs from AP)