Turkey investigating people who say coup attempt was hoax
ISTANBUL - Turkish prosecutors are investigating people who have alleged on social media that a July 15 coup attempt was a hoax carried out by the government, the country's justice minister said Sunday, reflecting what some critics say are increasing restrictions on expression in the wake of the failed rebellion by some military forces.
Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said in an interview with Turkey's Kanal 7 television station Sunday that anyone who suggests the coup attempt was staged likely had a role in the insurrection, which was defeated by loyalist forces and pro-government protesters. There has been some internet speculation that Erdogan engineered the unrest in order to rally support and thereby increase his power, a conspiracy theory rejected by the government and most commentators on Turkey's recent turbulence.
"Just look at the people who are saying on social media that this was theater, public prosecutors are already investigating them. Most of them are losers who think it is an honor to die for Fethullah Gulen's command," Bozdag said.
