- Title: TURKEY-MEDIA/ERDOGAN Turkey's Erdogan says media raids a response to "dirty" plot
- Date: 15th December 2014
- Summary: ISTANBUL, TURKEY (DECEMBER 15, 2014) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF EXTERIORS OF POLICE STATION VARIOUS OF PEOPLE DEMONSTRATING OUTSIDE THE POLICE STATION (SOUNDBITE) (Turkish) INDEPENDENT LAWMAKER, CHAIRMAN OF DEMOCRATIC PROGRESS PARTY, IDRIS BAL, SAYING: "You are now obliged to tell thousands of lies just to hide one. You told a lie. Your acquaintances, friends and children could
- Embargoed: 30th December 2014 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Turkey
- Country: Turkey
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVABNYFF3G9AXSI8JQ1HE4IQL6VI
- Story Text: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday (December 15) that weekend raids on media outlets close to a U.S.-based Muslim cleric were part of a necessary response to "dirty operations" by political enemies, and dismissed European Union criticism of the moves.
The raids on the Zaman daily and Samanyolu television mark an escalation in Erdogan's battle with former ally Fetullah Gulen, with whom he has been in open conflict since a graft investigation targeting his inner circle emerged a year ago.
Erdogan accuses Gulen of establishing a 'parallel' structure in the state through his supporters in the judiciary, police and other institutions, while wielding influence through the media. The cleric denies any ambition to overthrow Erdogan.
"Those who try to get involved in dirty business and dirty relations with the hope of returning Turkey to its old days should realize that they will not be successful and give up as soon as possible. Turkey's economy continue to grow and democracy is further strengthening" Erdogan said, speaking at the opening of an extension to an oil refinery near Istanbul.
"The European Union should not seek the authority to intervene in the steps taken by Turkish security forces within the rule of law against elements that threaten our national security. They should mind their own business," he said.
The European Union, of which Turkey is seeking to be a member, said on Sunday the raids ran counter to European values. EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said on Monday the raids were "not really an invitation to move further forward" with Turkey.
Police detained 24 people including top executives and ex-police chiefs in Sunday's raids.
Erdogan said Turkey's democratic standards were rising and that the operation against Gulen's network was part of an effort to root out anti-democratic forces and would continue.
"This process is the planting of the seeds of the new Turkey," he said.
"Those who try to get involved in dirty business and dirty relations with the hope of returning Turkey to its old days are getting the necessary response, and will continue to get it."
In the meantime, supporters of a U.S. -based Muslim cleric continued to demonstrate outside the police station in Istanbul where detainees were being questioned. They waved Turkish flags and the top-selling Zaman daily.
"You are now obliged to tell thousands of lies just to hide one. You told a lie. Your acquaintances, friends and children could not go to the court like a man and you conjured up a lie to sweep it (the graft probe) under the carpet. Now you are fabricating new lies to support your tale. You are being drawn into the mire." Independent lawmaker Idris Bal said outside the police station.
Erdogan accuses Gulen of establishing a parallel structure in the state through his supporters in the judiciary, police and other institutions, while wielding influence through the media.
The cleric, living in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999, denies any ambition to overthrow Erdogan. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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