Turkey arrests 1,000 in raids targeting Gulen suspects

Police have arrested more than 1,000 people in an operation across Turkey against a movement blamed for last summer's failed coup. Raids were continuing as authorities targeted what was described as a secret structure within Turkey's police force. Turkey says a movement loyal to US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen organised the July 2016 plot to bring down President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Earlier this month the president won a referendum on boosting his powers. As a result of the narrow victory Mr Erdogan can become head of the executive, beefing up the largely ceremonial role of Turkey's president. Turkey under Erdogan Why did Turkey hold referendum? Turkey 'spied on pro-Gulen opponents in Germany' "1,009 covert 'imams' in 72 provinces have been taken into custody so far," Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu was reported as saying, calling it an important step for Turkey.

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