Turkey investigating people who say coup attempt was a hoax

ISTANBUL - The Associated Press

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Prosecutors are investigating people who have alleged on social media that the July 15 coup attempt was a hoax carried out by the Turkish government, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ said on July 24, amid criticism of increasing restrictions on expression in the wake of the failed rebellion by some forces within the military.

Speaking in an interview with the Kanal 7 television station, Bozdağ suggested 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. 

Some have speculated online that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan 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 a theater. Public prosecutors are already investigating them. Most of them are losers who think it is honorable to die at Fethullah Gülen’s command,” Bozdağ said.