It is hard to call what's happening anything other than a political purge.

The killings have been described as a political purge without precedent in modern Iranian history, both in terms of scope and coverup.

Although his mother disappeared in a political purge, he feels somehow responsible.

At worst, it was a political purge followed by a cover-up.

Ironically, during a political purge, Stalin had executed the most experienced army officers just prior to the German invasion.

A political purge followed in which officials responsible for organizing or condoning the protests were removed, and protest leaders jailed.

This action was the only broad political purge during Atatürk's presidency.

A political purge in China has fizzled.

He played a substantial role in the political purge of the Girondins.

Almost in desperation, Mrs Thatcher seized the initiative with a political purge.