US praises Turkey’s stance against last year’s coup attempt

WASHINGTON

A woman walks during a protest against coup soldiers early on July 16, 2016 - AA photo

The United States on July 14 praised “the bravery of Turks” who thwarted the July 15, 2016, failed coup attempt, widely believed to have been masterminded by the followers of the U.S.-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen. 

“One year ago, Turkey's brave and dedicated citizens of all backgrounds and political views defended their democracy against an attempted coup. We reaffirm the United States’ steadfast support for Turkey’s democracy and democratic institutions,” the statement shared by U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert read, adding that Washington offers condolences to the friends and loved ones of those injured or killed during the coup attempt.

Some 250 people were killed and 2,193 were wounded while resisting the coup attempt. 

“Today, the United States commends the bravery of all of those who have taken to the streets to preserve the rights and freedoms of their democratic society. Their actions continue to remind us that the preservation of democracy requires perseverance, tolerance, dissent, and safeguards for fundamental freedoms. Persistent curbs on those fundamental freedoms erode the foundations of democratic society. More voices, not fewer, are necessary in challenging times,” the statement also read.