Trial of 330 defendants over coup bid to begin

By Aylin Sirikli and Zafer Fatih Beyaz

ANKARA

A trial of over 300 defendants charged over last July’s coup attempt by the Fetullah Terror Organization (FETO) will start in the Turkish capital Ankara Tuesday, according to judicial sources.

The trial will take place in Turkey’s biggest hearing room, with a capacity of over 1,500 people, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.

The hearing room, inside Sincan prison, Ankara, can fit up to 720 defendants, 600 lawyers, 154 observers, and 84 journalists.

In the case, 330 defendants, including former Maj. Gen. Osman Unlu and former Brig. Gen. Murat Aygun, will be tried over FETO's coup attempt at the 58th Artillery Brigade and the Artillery and Missile School Command in Polatli, Ankara.

The case will be carried out by Ankara’s 13th Major Crimes Court, and three aggravated life sentences are being sought for the 330 defendants.

The defendants are accused of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order, attempting to overthrow the government and parliament or hinder them from preventing their duties, murder, and being members of a terrorist organization.

Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar, Gendarmerie Forces Commander Gen. Yasar Guler, and retired Lt. Gen. Mehmet Sanver will be complainants in the case.

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 was 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.