Have faith in Turkey - envoy

Parties who are genuinely interested in the wellbeing of Turkey should give the government some time and wait for the outcome of measures it currently undertakes, said Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia Basak Turkoglu.

"They should have faith in Turkey. Bias or judgemental approach will not serve any country," she said at a media briefing at the Turkish embassy, here Thursday.

The envoy said that the three-month state of emergency declared on July 21 would allow the government to expedite investigation and legal process against those behind the failed coup.

She reiterated that the nationwide state of emergency was in accordance with the country's constitution and in full observance of European Convention of Human Rights, stressing that it did not affect the daily life of Turkish citizens or foreigners.

Turkoglu also thanked the Malaysian government and its people for standing behind the Turkish government and its people during the coup attempt.

Turkey said that the July 15 coup attempt was staged by a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces loyal to Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO), but was succesfully foiled the next day.

Turkey also denied any allegations of coup detainees being abused or mistreated, the ambassador said.

She said that regarding these allegations, the Ministry of Justice had officially stated that it welcomed international observers to the country.

"Those with concrete evidence should seek legal procedures. Of course any allegations should be looked into but until now it is just some press releases," she added.

Amnesty International has claimed that it had gathered credible evidence that detainees in Turkey were being subjected to beatings and torture, including rape, in official and unofficial detention centres in the country.

The organisation also called for independent monitors to be given immediate access to detainees in all facilities in the wake of the coup attempt.

The ambassador also spoke about defamation campaign, which she said was being carried out by some media organs, to distort the efforts of Turkish government and the judiciary.

"FETO, using its influence over certain media outlets is now trying to misinterpret Turkey's existential struggle to establish law and order and to serve justice in an effective manner, as a political crackdown or an attempt to suppress political dissent," she said.

The ambassador emphasised that FETO's attempt to overthrow a democratically-elected government and constitutional order in Turkey, was an act of terror, which did not get the people's support.

"The coup was foiled because the Turkish nation as a whole displayed a historic solidarity in defying the insurgency. They continue to stand guard of democracy in the streets and squares of all cities every night since then," she stressed.

Over 260 people were reported killed in the attempted coup, including government forces and civilians, while some 8,133 had been arrested.