Turkish democracy 'strengthened' after coup attempt

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey’s ruling party has said the “nation and democracy are more powerful” after the July 15 coup attempt.

A statement on Saturday from the Justice and Development (AK) Party said Turkish people’s response had taught a lesson to those who would stage “traitorous acts”.

The party’s Central Executive Board said: “Although the coup attempt failed, threats and danger have not yet disappeared,” the statement added.

It said that Turkish people who filled city squares after the July 15 attempt should continue such vigils until these threats disappeared.

The statement also called for Turkish people to be on full alert for terror- and cyber-attacks.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly coup attempt on July 15, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,100 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

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’.