17 journalists arrested in probe into coup attempt in Turkey

An Istanbul court on July 29 arrested 17 Turkish journalists over links to the U.S.-based preacher Fethullah Gülen who is blamed for this month's failed coup, charging them with membership of a "terror group", Hurriyet reported

Twenty-one journalists had their cases heard by the court, with four being freed and 17 placed under arrest ahead of trial, the state-run Anadolu news agency said.

Those arrested include the veteran journalist Nazl? Il?cak as well as the former correspondent for the pro-Gülen Zaman daily Han?m Bü?ra Erdal, it added.

Among the four freed was commentator Bülent Mumay and Hürriyet reporter Arda Ak?n, who was released on the condition of judicial control.

Some 11 wanted journalists have reportedly fled abroad while the search for nine others is ongoing, according to officials. Detention warrants were issued for 42 journalists on July 25, as part of ongoing investigations against members of the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), which the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) says was behind the failed coup attempt.

Meanwhile, a total of 131 media organizations were shut down over suspected links to the U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen.

/By Trend/