Almost 33,000 teachers dismissed from duties over FETÖ links: Minister

ANKARA

Some 33,000 teachers have been dismissed from their duties due to their links to the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), widely believed to have been behind the July 15, 2016, failed coup attempt, Education Minister İsmet Yılmaz said on June 23, state-run Anadolu Agency has reported.

Speaking at a fast-breaking dinner in Ankara, Yılmaz also said disciplinary investigations into 14,000 teachers were completed.

“There has never been an incident like this before in the history of the Turkish Republic. Almost 33,000 teachers were dismissed from their duties as a result of this coup attempt. We have also completed disciplinary investigations into 14,000 teachers who have been determined to have participated in illegal acts. We have paid attention to their rights during the process,” he said.

Yılmaz stressed that a substantial amount of state sources were being used for education in Turkey.

“Turkey uses 5.8 percent of its national income on education. The OECD average is 5.2 percent. Today, we have about 18 million students in Turkey; more than 7 million of them are registered at universities. These students will shape Turkey’s future,” he added.

Yılmaz said some 20,000 candidates had completed their interviews to become teachers, adding that the ministry also appointed 20,000 teachers across Turkey.

He said at least 20,000 classrooms were built in schools the past year.