Two FETO members get life in prison over defeated coup

ERZURUM, Turkey

In the first-ever conviction of Fetullah Terror Organization (FETO) members for their role in the defeated July 15 coup, a court in eastern Turkey Thursday gave two ex-army officers aggravated life sentences.

After convicting them of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order, Erzurum’s 2nd Criminal Court sentenced former Colonel Murat Kocak and former Major Murat Yilmaz to life in prison.

The defendants, who were on duty in Erzurum the day of the coup, claimed innocence.

According to Turkey’s government, U.S.-based FETO leader Fetullah Gulen masterminded the July 15 defeated coup in Turkey, which left 248 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara has also said FETO is behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

In the wake of the coup attempt, tens of thousands FETO suspects have been arrested, including many in the armed forces, police, justice system, and education sector.

*Reporting by Muhammet ; Writing by Fatma Bulbul