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Erdogan Closes Private Schools, Charities

More purges in Turkey in wake of failed military coup.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan ordered the closure of thousands of private schools, charities and unions using an emergency decree on Saturday. The order comes amid a state of emergency in the country following the July 15 military coup attempt that left hundreds dead and thousands more wounded. Thousands of military personnel were also arrested. Erdogan's decree follows a warning by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini not to abandon the rule of law as critics warn of an authoritarian crackdown. Earlier this week, Erodgan banned academics from traveling abroad and forced thousands of public sector workers out of their jobs.