Turkey coup 500 on trial

NEARLY 500 suspects, including generals and military pilots, have gone on trial in Turkey accused of leading last year’s failed coup attempt and carrying out attacks from an air base in Ankara.

U.S-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who the government blames for the coup, has been named as the main defendant in the case and will be tried in absentia.

Former air force commander Akin Ozturk and other defendants are accused of directing the coup and bombing key government buildings.

They face life terms if found guilty.