Turkey has shut down dozens of media organisations, including 45 newspapers and 16 TV stations, and discharged close to 1,700 officers from the military following the failed coup, state media said

 

Turkey has shut down dozens of media organisations and discharged almost 1,700 military personnel following the failed coup attempt.

Three news agencies, 16 television channels and 45 daily newspapers, among others, have been ordered to be shut down, CNN Turk reported.

Turkish authorities also announced a total of 1,684 military personnel have been discharged.

Meanwhile, eight officers who fled in a helicopter to Greece have said they 'fear for their lives' as their application for asylum is considered.

The men - two commanders, four captains and two sergeants - requested asylum in Greece after landing a military helicopter in the northern city of Alexandroupoli four days after the attempted government takeover on July 15.

They have been sentenced to two months in prison, suspended, for illegally entering Greece, but say their treatment in their home country will be far worse.

Vassilis Terzidis, who is representing the men, said they 'fear for their lives' if they are returned, where the authorities have been waging a massive crackdown against suspects.

The men say they will not receive a fair trial in Turkey, while human rights group Amnesty International has said it has 'credible evidence' of the abuse and torture of people detained in sweeping post-coup arrests - something Ankara has denied.

Rights groups are likely to be further concerned by the purge of media and military personnel announced on Wednesday.

Terzidis also referred to the possibility of Turkey restoring the death penalty in the wake of the attempted coup.

'Given the very volatile situation in Turkey the eight soldiers wish to wait and better prepare (their case),' he said.

A first ruling had been expected in early August but now they have been summoned to a hearing on August 19, said Terzidis.

'That will be another argument in their favour for the international protection they are requesting,' he said.

The men will remain in police custody in Greece until their asylum applications are heard.

The case threatens to strain ties between the uneasy NATO allies, with Ankara labelling the eight 'terrorists'.

Turkish authorities on Wednesday announced the dismissal of more than 1,600 military personnel and the closure of more than 130 media outlets, CNN Turk reported, in a widening crackdown following this month's failed coup attempt.