Turkey to arrest 249 foreign ministry personnel in post-coup probe

Monday, 20 May 2019 13:50

Turkey has ordered the arrest of 249 foreign ministry personnel over suspected links to the Fethullah Gulen network.

Ankara chief prosecutor's office said investigations revealed that the officers had committed irregularities in the Turkish foreign ministry's past entrance exams.

It said 78 suspects had been detained so far following operations across 43 provinces.

More than 77,000 people have been jailed pending trial, while some 150,000 civil servants, military personnel and others have been sacked or suspended from their jobs as part of the post-coup purges.

Gulen, who is accused of orchestrating an attempted coup in 2016, has denied any wrongdoing.

More from International News

UN cuts its aid appeal for 2026 despite soaring need

The United Nations appealed on Monday for a 2026 aid budget only half the size of what it had hoped for this year, acknowledging a plunge in donor funding at a time when humanitarian needs have never been greater.
European leaders, Zelenskyy hold talks in London

The leaders of France, Germany and Britain staged a strong show of support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London on Monday at what they described as a "crucial time" for Kyiv, under US pressure to agree a proposed peace deal with Russia.
Tsunami warning after powerful earthquake strikes Japan's northeast region

A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake shook Japan's northeast region late on Monday, prompting tsunami warnings and orders for residents to evacuate.
Israeli police raid UN refugee agency UNRWA's East Jerusalem compound

Israeli police raided the headquarters of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency in East Jerusalem on Monday and raised Israel's flag, in what the agency called a challenge to international law.
Thailand launches airstrikes at Cambodia as border tensions reignite

Thailand said it launched airstrikes into Cambodia on Monday as fighting broke out in multiple areas along their disputed border, after both countries accused the other of breaching a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump.

On Virgin Radio today

The Night Show with Jacob Cummings
7:00pm - 10:00pm

End the day with Virgin Radio turned loud.
Fusion with Eddie
10:00pm - Midnight

Stay up late with a cutting edge look at world music.

Trending on Virgin Radio

Talent Takeover
For one morning only, you could host the UAE’s biggest radio show, The Kris Fade Show - live across the nation.
Ed Sheeran - UAE EXCLUSIVE
Latest album, what happened with BTS, raising a baby girl, eye surgery, and more!
Middle East Hot 30
Every weekend Kris Fade plays the biggest tracks in the Middle East. Check out this weeks chart...
Mais Vault on the Kris Fade Show!
The boys tried their 'pick up' lines on Mais Vault and things did not go according to plan...