The massive trial was one of two main trials against suspected members of a network led by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of orchestrating the failed attempt. It sentenced them to 79 separate life sentences, the Anadolu Agency reported. Expand Close Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was targeted with assassination by plotters, the court heard (AP) AP/PA Images / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was targeted with assassination by plotters, the court heard (AP)A total of 337 other defendants were also sentenced to life imprisonment. The defendants were expected to appeal Thursday’s verdicts, which were welcomed by members of Mr Erdogan’s ruling party. Turkey’s then military chief, General Hulusi Akar, who is the current defence minister, and other commanders were held captive for several hours at the base on the night of the coup.

Source: Irish Independent November 26, 2020 11:15 UTC