State Dep’t Withholds Criticism of Mass Detentions, Suspensions in Turkey – But Denies its Response is Muted

State Department spokesman John Kirby declined Thursday to say whether Turkey’s post-coup attempt crackdown is excessive, saying he was “not going to litigate from the podium every decision that they’re making.” But he also rejected the notion that the administration was being “muted” in its response to the mass detentions and suspensions taking place.