Turkey detains three top businessmen as it probes failed coupJuly 29, 2016 - 13:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish authorities on Friday, July 29 widened their post-coup crackdown to the business sector, detaining three top tycoons as part of investigations into the activities of U.S.-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, AFP reports. Security forces in the central city of Kayseri detained the chairman of the family-owned Boydak Holding company, Mustafa Boydak, and two other top executives, state-run Anadolu news agency said. He and the two other executives -- Sukru and Halit Boydak -- were detained at their homes. Efforts were continuing to detain former chairman Haci Boydak as well as Ilyas and Bekir Boydak for whom warrants have also been issued. The detentions were part of an investigation into the financing of Gulen's activities in Turkey. Ankara blames the reclusive cleric for the failed July 15 coup aimed at unseating President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. These appear to be the first major arrests targeting the business world in a crackdown that has already sought to eradicate Gulen's influence from the military, legal system, education and civil service. Mustafa Boydak is also the head of the chamber of commerce in Kayseri, a fast growing city dubbed one of the "Anatolian Tigers" for the growth and prosperity it has enjoyed under Erdogan's rule, AFP says. Boydak Holding has interests in furniture, energy and finance, and notably owns the prominent Istikbal and Bellona furniture firms. Almost 16,000 people have been detained so far in the nationwide crackdown, the magnitude of which has caused international alarm. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |