Recep Tayyip Erdogan wept yesterday at the funeral of his campaign manager and others who had opposed the coup.
He answered supporters’ chants of “We want the death penalty” by saying: “We hear your request. In a democracy, whatever the people want they will get.”
He called the botched military coup “a gift from God” as top generals, soldiers, prosecutors and judges were arrested.
President Erdogan vowed to “cleanse” his army after the revolt left 265 dead and 1,400 wounded.
An arrest warrant was issued for his top military aide Colonel Ali Yazici.
Rebel leader General Erdal Ozturk was marched through the streets in shame before appearing in court charged with treason. It was claimed that other rebels were lynched by pro-government supporters.
President Erdogan said more officials would be arrested. In a televised statement he said: “My glorious nation has given the best response to the coup plotters.” Turkey’s parliament is expected to discuss the death penalty today.
The country has not executed anyone since 1984. It abolished capital punishment in 2004 as part of its bid to join the EU.
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