UPDATE - Turkish parliament approves commission on coup bid

UPDATES WITH POLITICIANS' COMMENTS

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously approved forming a commission to investigate the July 15 failed coup.

The commission will be made up of parliamentarians from all four of Turkey’s main political parties -- the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

It will be able to question suspects, including those in detention, as public prosecutors are able to. The commission is aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the attempt to overthrow the government.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag warned parliament of the need to take precautions to guard against the “countdown of a new coup attempt”.

Engin Altay, the deputy chairman of the CHP, said the “nation, parliament and media repulsed this coup and the tanks” and called for the coup plotters to receive the “maximum level” punishment.

MHP Deputy Chairman Erkan Akcay said: “We cannot act as if nothing happened. Of course, the traitors who attempted the coup will be put on trial and get the punishment they deserve.”

Mithat Sincar, an HDP lawmaker, said the state had the duty to fairly investigate and judge the coup plotters.

At least 246 people were killed and more than 2,100 injured in the failed putsch.