More Turkish state workers face expulsion after coup bid

By Duygu Yener

ISTANBUL (AA) – Thousands of employees will be discharged in the wake of a coup attempt earlier this month, Turkey’s health minister said Monday.

“As a part of state of emergency decree, we will review and take necessary steps regarding 5,000 employees,” Recep Akdag Akdag said during a televised interview.

National flag carrier Turkish Airlines also said Monday that it has fired 211 of its workers, citing operational requirements, inefficiency, lack of performance and the security of the country and the company, after the attempted overthrow by members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

The carrier also announced that Dr. Murat Seker has been appointed Deputy General Manager in charge of financial affairs, replacing Coskun Kilic.

Tens of thousands of civil servants have been suspended from their positions in the wake of the attempted coup and 13,000 have been arrested.

The coup attempt occurred when rogue elements in the Turkish military tried to overthrow the government, resulting in at least 246 deaths.

The government has blamed the plot on U.S.-based cleric Gulen and his supporters in Turkey.

Gulen is accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary -- forming a “parallel state”.