Dismissed Turkish sub-governor commits suicide

By Erkan Simsek

MANISA, Turkey (AA) – A sub-governor who was dismissed as part of the investigation into a failed coup attempt in Turkey committed suicide late Tuesday.

Necmi Akman, from the western province of Manisa, grabbed his guard's pistol and shot himself in the head. He later succumbed to his injures at a hospital, medical sources told Anadolu Agency.

A police officer who was guarding Akman's residence is believed to have been disarmed during a brawl due to negligence.

Police said the guard, identified as Ahmet G., has been detained for questioning and an investigation is ongoing.

Akman worked for two years as a sub-governor in the Ahmetli district in Manisa.

He leaves being a wife and three children.

The deadly coup attempt occurred late Friday when rogue elements of the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically elected government.

Turkey's government has said the attempted coup was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through supporters within Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming the parallel state.

The failed coup left 240 people martyred, including 62 police officers, five soldiers and 173 civilians. Approximately 1,500 people were injured.

Turkish Interior Ministry stated that 8,777 officials including 30 governors were suspended.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said 7,543 people, including 100 police officers, 6,038 soldiers, 755 judges and prosecutors and 650 civilians were arrested.

*Anadolu Agency Correspondent Can Erozden contributed to this report from Ankara.