Via Ahval News (19th July) – A boat that capsized on the Maritsa river on the Greek-Turkish border was likely carrying Turkish civil servants fleeing the crackdown after the July 2016 coup attempt, four of whom are still missing, Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported on Thursday.
Greek authorities have rescued three men, a woman and a child from the boat, according to the newspaper.
Greece has become a destination for many individuals linked to the Gülen movement, which the Turkish government blames for the 2016 coup attempt.
The crackdown since then has seen hundreds of thousands faced with legal action, many of whom have been imprisoned or lost their jobs. The Turkish state has also seized companies belonging to alleged Gülenists.
The Gülen movement was before the coup attempt reportedly a major player in the Turkish state, with members in important positions in government institutions.
The movement also played an active role in the country’s private education and other business fields, and many citizens linked through these areas have also been targeted in the post-coup purges.