Turkey’s Erdogan says corruption probe aims to smear government

Turkey’s Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan denounced on the 18 December 2013 a corruption crackdown on his allies months ahead of elections as a 'dirty operation' to smear his administration and undermine the country’s progress.

52 officials and high-profile businessmen known to be close to the ruling Justice and Development party (AKP) were arrested on charges including tender fraud, bribery, and trading in gold.

The BBC reported that commentators in Turkey believed the arrests - and subsequent firings - were evidence of a new dramatic fault-line in Turkish politics, one within the AK Party itself.

Five police chiefs who oversaw the raids in Istanbul and Ankara were sacked for 'abuse of office', Mr Erdogan said.

• Primary Source

BBC News, 18.12.13: Turkey PM Erdogan condemns 'dirty' corruption probe http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25437624

The Guardian, 18.12.13: Turkish PM: corruption probe part of 'dirty operation' against administration http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/18/turkish-pm-corruption-probe-dirty-operation

BBC News, 19.12.13: Turkey corruption raids: Istanbul police chief fired http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25446668

BBC News, 20.12.13: Turkey corruption inquiry: More senior police 'fired' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25462121

Deutsche Welle, 20.12.13: More arrests amid Turkish power struggle http://dw.de/p/1AdtR

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