Turkish authorities have issued arrest warrants for 44 judges and prosecutors suspected of links with the movement of Islamic preacher Fetullah Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of attempting a coup d'état in 2016, Anadolu reported.

Most of the suspects, according to the Prosecutor General's Office, have risen through the ranks after they were leaked in 2011 with questions on professional exams.

Most of them were later fired from their jobs, Demiroren reported.

Tens of thousands of government officials, including members of the judiciary, police, and military, have been fired following the failed coup. Critics say the government used the attempt to target a wide range of opponents.