Turkish Parliament approves commission on coup attempt

The commission will be made up of parliamentarians from all four of Turkey’s main political parties - the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).        

The commission will have the authority to question suspects, including those currently in detention, just as public prosecutors are able to do. 

The commission is aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the botched attempt to overthrow the government.        

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ has warned parliament of the need to take precautions to guard against the “countdown to a new coup attempt.”        

CHP Deputy Chair Engin Altay, meanwhile, said “the nation, the parliament and the media repulsed this coup and the tanks,” and called for the coup plotters to receive the “maximum level” punishment.

“We cannot act as if nothing happened. Of course, the traitors who attempted the coup will be put on trial and get the punishment they deserve,” said MHP Deputy Chairman Erkan Akçay. 

HDP lawmaker Mithat Sincar said the state had the duty to fairly investigate and judge the coup plotters.