Turkey suspends 9,000 police officers over suspected links to Fethullah Gulen

Turkey has suspended more than 9,000 police officers over alleged links to Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Turkish interior minister Suleyman Soylu said the officers were part of a group led by US-based cleric which operated a "parallel leadership structure within the police force".

The suspensions came after more than 1,000 alleged supporters of Gulen were arrested in the first large round-up of political opponents since the 16 April referendum, which granted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sweeping new powers.

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Soylu said 1,009 "covert imams" in 72 provinces had been taken into custody so far.

According to the New York Times, "about 45,000 people have already been taken into custody since the coup attempt" and a "sweeping purge of state institutions has led to the firing of about 130,000 people".

International observers have condemned the result of the recent referendum, which gives Erdogan the ability to appoint ministers and judges. It will also allow him to remain in office until 2029 and reintroduces the death penalty.

Two days after the referendum, Turkey's parliament extended a nine-month state of emergency by a further three months.

Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in the US, has been accused of orchestrating the failed 2016 coup against Erdogan.