Suicides might be assassinations to stop Gülenists from confessing, Turkish minister says

In a televised interview, Energy Minister Berat Albayrak said recent reports that some coup soldiers have committed suicide means they should be put under suicide watch."We should approach these suicides cautiously. Because they might be potential confessors," Albayrak said, adding that the environment in prisons should be assessed carefully.

Recently, a former police chief found in a tank on the night of the coup attempt reportedly committed suicide in prison. Even though authorities have not yet confirmed the report, five prisoners have committed suicide since the investigation started.

Whether the putschists were ordered to commit suicide or guards executed them by order from the Gülenist Terror Organization (FETÖ), an investigation into the suicides is reportedly on the way.

Albayrak also mentioned the possibility of a second coup attempt. He did not fully rule out the possibility and stressed that the FETÖ is as a dangerous organization as DAESH.

Calling President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's firm stance on the night of the coup attempt very significant, Albayrak said Erdoğan's biggest difference compared to leaders in the past is his ability to communicate with the people.