Turkey PM vows to purge Gulen movement 'by the roots'

The Turkish Prime Minister, Binali Yildirim, has vowed to purge supporters of an exiled cleric "by the roots" in the aftermath of the failed coup.

He said he had sent the US evidence of Fethullah Gulen's criminal activities - allegations the cleric denies - in support of an extradition bid.

Mr Yildirim insisted that his country was governed by the rule of law.

Thousands of soldiers, police and officials have been detained or sacked since Friday's coup attempt.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has again refused to rule out reinstating the death penalty for coup plotters if it is approved by parliament.

The EU has warned that such a move would see the end of accession talks to the bloc.

For now, at least, that seems not to worry President Erdogan, who is seizing the opportunity to tighten his grip, reports the BBC's Turkey correspondent, Mark Lowen.

Author: 
BBC