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Erdogan has been suspected of orchestrating the coup himself to consolidate his power and go after anyone he feels does not support his government.
CNN reports:
Turkey’s President has refused to rule out the death penalty for the thousands of people arrested following a violent failed military coup Friday.
“There is a clear crime of treason and your request can never be rejected by our government,” said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking through his translator in a world exclusive interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson at his presidential palace in Istanbul, Turkey.
“But of course it will take a parliamentary decision for that to take action in the form of a constitutional measure so leaders will have to get together and discuss it and if they accept to discuss it then I as president will approve any decision that comes out of the parliament.”
This is the first interview given by the president since the attempted military coup on Friday, July 15.