Turkey Issues Warrants for 42 Journalists

Turkish authorities issued warrants on Monday for the detention of 42 journalists and detained 31 academics, official media reported, as the government pressed ahead with a crackdown against people allegedly linked to a us-based Muslim cleric following a failed coup.

The list of journalists wanted for questioning included prominent writer Nazli Ilicak, who is critical of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ABC News reported.

Prosecutors requested their detention to shed light on the coup plot and the warrants are not related to their "journalistic activities, but possible criminal conduct," a senior official in Erdogan's office said in a text message sent to foreign media. 

The government declared a three-month state of emergency and detained more than 13,000 people in the military, judiciary and other institutions following the foiled coup.