Turkey to pay compensation to coup victims

By Nuray Tuncay

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey will offer compensation and provide monthly income to families of martyrs and those injured during the July 15 defeated coup attempt, the labor and social security minister said late Saturday.

Families of those martyred on duty and civilians will receive a one-time payment of up to 240,000 Turkish liras ($79,000), in addition to a minimum of 3,200-lira monthly salary and job guarantees for two family members, Suleyman Soylu said in a televised interview.

Those who sustained injuries during the bloody failed putsch will be provided with up to 177,000 liras in one-time payment, depending on the severity and impact of their injuries, and job guarantees for one family member, the minister said. They will also be eligible for an additional compensation of up to 150,000 liras if they suffered any degree of permanent disability.

In addition, all victims will receive optional individual retirement plans, Soylu said.

The coup attempt claimed 239 lives and injured nearly 2,200 others, sending shock waves throughout Turkey, the region and the world at large.

Ankara has accused U.S.-based soi-disant preacher Fetullah Gulen for leading the putsch through his followers within the military who formed the Fetullah Terror Organization.

Gulen is sought by an Istanbul court to face charges, and Turkey has made an official request to Washington for his extradition.

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".