Over 7,000 coup suspects remanded across Turkey

By Ertugrul Subasi

ANKARA (AA) - More than 6,000 Turkish soldiers, 1,481 judiciary members and 210 police officers are in custody Tuesday for alleged links to Friday's deadly coup attempt, according to security officials.

Speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking with the media, officials told Anadolu Agency at least 990 suspects who were taken into custody have been charged, including 82 high-ranking officers and 273 judiciary members.

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

Twenty-four people involved in the attempted coup were killed and 50 others were injured.

The deadly coup attempt occurred late on 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.

*Hatice Kesgin contributed to this report from Ankara.