CRI听力:Turkish President Dismisses EU Criticism of Police Raids

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has claimed that weekend raids on media outlets close to a U.S.-based Muslim cleric were part of a necessary response to "dirty operations" by political enemies, and dismissed European Union criticism of the moves.

"The European Union should not seek to intervene in the steps taken by Turkish security forces within the rule of law against elements that threaten our national security. They should mind their own business."

The raids on the Zaman daily and Samanyolu television mark an escalation in Erdogan's battle with former ally Fetullah Gulen, with whom he has been in open conflict since a graft investigation targeting his inner circle emerged a year ago.

Erdogan accuses Gulen of establishing a 'parallel' structure in the state through his supporters in the judiciary, police and other institutions, while wielding influence through the media.

The European Union said the raids ran counter to European values.

Police detained 24 people including top executives and ex-police chiefs in Sunday's raids.

In the meantime, Gulen's supporters continued to demonstrate outside the police station in Istanbul where detainees were being questioned.

They waved Turkish flags and the top-selling Zaman daily.