The Turkish government is leaving no stone unturned in its investigations into the failed coup attempt that led to several deaths and violence in the state.
More than 50,000 people have been rounded up, sacked or suspended from their jobs by Turkey’s government in the wake of last week’s failed coup.
The BBC reports that the purge of those deemed disloyal to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan widened on Tuesday to include teachers, university deans and the media.
The government said they are allied to United States-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who denies claims he directed the uprising.
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the preacher led a “terrorist organization.”
“We will dig them up by their roots,” he told parliament.
A Turkish government spokesman suggested that the U.S should be able to extradite the cleric “on grounds of suspicion” rather than requiring facts of the case against him.
“There is very strong suspicion for his [Gulen’s] involvement in this coup attempt. So this is sufficient grounds,” said spokesman Ibrahim Kalin.