Istanbul court refuses to release coup plot accused

An Istanbul court had refused to release from custody 186 active and retired military members who were arrested on charges of plotting a coup in 2003, local media reports.

The main figures involved in the case are the ex-commander of the Army, retired General Cetin Dogan, former commander of the Turkish Navy, Admiral Ozden Ornek and former Air Force Commander General Ibrahim Fyrtyna.

Most of the suspects have repeatedly been arrested but later released because of unproven charges. In February, the Twelfth Criminal Court of Istanbul for Serious Crimes ordered the arrest of 163 new military members from 196 defendants in the “Cage” process. 133 of them were arrested in the courtroom, 30 people were taken into custody later.