More than 1,000 people, or "secret imams", have been arrested by Turkish authorities, accused of infiltrating police forces across the country on behalf of a former ally of President Erdogan, US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was blamed by Erdogan for last year's failed coup. Another 9,103 people from the police force were suspended on Wednesday, according to police headquarters in Ankara, which cited links with Gulen's network. Many relatives of those detained or sacked since July say they have nothing to do with the armed attempt to overthrow the government, and are victims of a purge designed to solidify Erdogan’s control. The arrests come as Turkey is facing mounting pressure over its crackdown following the coup attempt, including criticism that it has used excessive force.
More than 1,000 people, or "secret imams", have been arrested by Turkish authorities, accused of infiltrating police forces across the country on behalf of a former ally of President Erdogan, US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was blamed by Erdogan for last year's failed coup. Another 9,103 people from the police force were suspended on Wednesday, according to police headquarters in Ankara, which cited links with Gulen's network. The arrests come as Turkey is facing mounting pressure over its crackdown following the coup attempt, including criticism that it has used excessive force.