Turkey seizes health and education agencies in crackdown

ISTANBUL — In a new tactic against suspected coup plotters, Turkey on Saturday announced it had seized more than 2,250 social, educational and health care institutions and facilities that it claims pose a threat to national security.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also sharply criticized Western countries that expressed concern about possible human rights violations in the sweeping purges the government has carried out after the July 15 failed military coup that have left at least 10,000 people in jail and another 60,000 tossed out of their jobs.

Turkish leaders allege that supporters of a U.S.-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen, infiltrated state agencies and groomed loyalists in a vast network of private schools as part of an elaborate plan to take over the country.

The Turkish treasury and a state agency that regulates foundations have taken over more than 1,200 foundations and associations, about 1,000 private educational institutions and student dormitories, 35 health care institutions, 19 labor groups and 15 universities, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported Saturday.