In an interview with TRT World, presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin discussed the implications of Turkey’s failed coup attempt and offered insight into the legal proceedings that are underway in its wake. Responding to concerns among outside observers regarding the investigations into Gülenist elements in Turkey, Kalin stressed the extreme gravity of an extrajudicial attempt at regime change in a democratic nation.

“After this coup attempt, people outside Turkey need to understand why emotions are so high here and how people feel about this, because they died on the streets. Ordinary citizens died on the streets. They were killed by their own people. … All the actions that are being taken right now within the framework of the state of emergency, in fact, are designed to protect freedom, democracy, and rule of law.”