Turkey to pay compensation to coup attempt victims

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

Turkey will offer compensation and provide a monthly income to the families of people killed and injured while confronting coup soldiers during the July 15 failed coup attempt, the labor and social security minister said late July 6.     

The families of those killed while on duty and civilians will receive a one-time payment of up to 240,000 Turkish Liras, in addition to a minimum of 3,200 liras monthly and job guarantees for two family members, Labor Minister Süleyman Soylu said in a televised interview.      

Those who sustained injuries during the bloody failed takeover will be provided with a one-time payment up to 177,000 liras, depending on the severity and impact of their injuries, and job guarantees for one family member, the minister said. They will also be eligible for additional compensation of up to 150,000 liras if they suffered any degree of permanent disability.      

In addition, all victims will receive optional individual retirement plans, Soylu said.      

The coup attempt, believed to have been carried out by the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), claimed 239 lives and injured nearly 2,200 others. 

U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen is being sought by an Istanbul court to face charges, and Turkey has made an official request to Washington for his extradition.