Erdogan to visit bombed parliament after coup attempt

By Coskun Ergul

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday will visit the Turkish parliament for the first time since it was bombed during the coup attempt on July 15.

According to the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party group deputy chairman, Mustafa Elitas, Erdogan will inspect the bombed parts of the parliament building and address the nation in the ceremonial hall at 6.00 p.m. (1500GMT).

During the country's failed deadly coup, the Grand National Assembly building was ripped apart by bombs and gunfire.

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 infiltrating into Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming a ‘parallel state’.

The deadly coup attempt began late July 15 when rogue elements of the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically elected government.

At least 246 people, including members of the security forces and civilians, were martyred during the failed putsch and more than 2,100 others were wounded as they protested against it.

*Burcu Arik contributed to this report from Istanbul.