Turkish parliament approves commission to investigate coup attempt

The commission will be made up of parliamentarians from all four of Turkey's main political parties -- the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

It will be able to question suspects, including those in detention, as public prosecutors are able to. The commission is aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the attempt to overthrow the government.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag warned parliament of the need to take precautions to guard against the "countdown of a new coup attempt".

Engin Altay, the deputy chairman of the CHP, said the "nation, parliament and media repulsed this coup and the tanks" and called for the coup plotters to receive the "maximum level" punishment.

MHP Deputy Chairman Erkan Akcay said: "We cannot act as if nothing happened. Of course, the traitors who attempted the coup will be put on trial and get the punishment they deserve."

Mithat Sincar, an HDP lawmaker, said the state had the duty to fairly investigate and judge the coup plotters.

At least 246 people, including civilians and security personnel, were killed, and nearly 2,200 people were injured during the July 15 failed coup attempt carried out by Gulenists within the military.

Prior to the July 15 coup attempt, operations against Gulenists had revealed that members of the movement had infiltrated the police force, judicial system and military with efforts to overthrow the democratically elected government while illegally wiretapping thousands of people, including the prime minister, journalists and other prominent figures.