Nearly 500 stand trial in Turkey’s coup trial

Nearly 500 suspects, including a number of 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.

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

Former air force commander Akin Ozturk and other defendants stationed at Akinci air base, on the outskirts of the capital Ankara, are accused of directing the coup and bombing key government buildings, including the parliament.

Many of the 486 suspects face life terms in prison for crimes that include violating the constitution and murder.