Erdogan hints death penalty may be in the offing

Erdogan is giving signals that Turkey might reinstate capital punishment in the wake of Friday’s failed coup attempt.

Erdogan’s speech to supporters in front of his Istanbul residence is punctuated by frequent calls of “we want the death penalty” from the large crowd, to which Erdogan responds: “We hear your request. In a democracy, whatever the people want they will get.”

Adding that they will be in contact with Turkey’s opposition parties to reach a position of capital punishment, he says “We will not delay this decision for long. Because those who attempt a coup in this country must pay.”

Turkey hasn’t executed anyone since 1984 and capital punishment was legally abolished in 2004 as part of its bid to join the European Union.

Anadolu Agency reports that seven people, including a colonel were detained at an air base in the central Anatolian city of Konya.

The same official said the situation in Konya was “under control” after coup backers there also resisted arrest.

“This is why we have been asking the people to stand guard and remain aware,” he says.

— AP