Turkish president Recep Erdogan says it’s a ‘patriotic duty’ to inform on supporters of Fettulah Gulen

By Staff The Associated Press

Posted August 10, 2016 10:10 am

Updated August 10, 2016 10:11 am

1 min read

If you get Global News from Instagram or Facebook - that will be changing. Find out how you can still connect with us.

This article is more than 7 years old and some information may not be up to date.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech commenting on those killed and wounded during a failed July 15 military coup, in Ankara, Turkey, late Friday, July 29, 2016. AP Photo/Kayhan Ozer Presidential Press Service, via AP Pool

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey’s president has called on a group of businessmen to inform authorities about anyone they suspect of being a follower of a U.S.-based Muslim cleric accused of orchestrating Turkey’s failed July 15 coup.

Speaking to a group of Turkish exporters on Wednesday, Recep Tayyip Erdogan also vowed to press ahead with a large-scale government crackdown on suspected members of the movement led by Fethullah Gulen. Gulen has repeatedly denied involvement.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

Erdogan said it is a “patriotic duty to expose” Gulen supporters even if they are family or friends.

Turkey has formally arrested 16,000 people in connection to the failed coup. Tens of thousands of people with suspected links to Gulen have been suspended or dismissed from their jobs in the judiciary, media, education, health care, military and local government.