Verdicts expected for 497 on trial for Turkey coup

ANKARA: A massive trial, concerning the failed 2016 coup in Turkey, nears conclusion on Wednesday when an Ankara court is expected to deliver its verdict for 497 defendants.

The trial started in October 2017 and has seen 243 hearings, reports dpa news agency.

Among the accused are former senior soldiers from the presidential guard regiment, according to state news agency Anadolu.

The prosecution is demanding life imprisonment for 90 defendants and a lengthy prison sentences for several others. Prosecutor separately asked to acquit 264 suspects and continue the trial against 11 fugitives, Anadolu reported.

The suspects are accused of occupying the the state broadcaster TRT headquarters in Ankara on the night of the coup, July 15, 2016.

Other accusations include attempting to overthrow the Constitution and membership in a terrorist organisation. (IANS)

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