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A government spokesman told AFP that 61 people were being treated in hospital. Fifteen were in a critical condition, 27 in a serious condition and 19 were stable.

In addition to halting "the entire electoral process", he said military forces had suspended "all media programming", closed "land, air, and sea" borders, and imposed a mandatory curfew.

In Turkey, journalists and publishing executives are regularly targeted with arrest, with TV channels and other outlets hit with temporary suspensions, heavy fines or both.

Leo's first steps abroad will be scrutinised by the world's media, with more than 80 journalists accompanying him on his papal plane.

A Tembisa Hospital employee has been arrested on corruption charges.