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Turkey Indicts 86 for Coup Plot

Secularists allegedly tried to overthrow Islamic government

By the Associated Press

Posted Jul 14, 2008 8:22 AM CDT

(AP) – Prosecutors today indicted 86 secular Turks—including high-ranking ex-military officials—on terrorism charges for their alleged involvement in plots to topple the Islamic-rooted government. The suspects, believed to include at least one former general and an opposition politician, are accused of having plotted to provoke a military coup to topple PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government.

The indictment is the latest episode in an ongoing power struggle between the government and secularists who—backed by the military, judiciary, and some trade groups—accuse Erdogan of pushing an Islamist agenda and making too many concessions to Christian and Kurdish minorities as part of the nation's bid to join the EU. Erdogan's opponents say the charges are part of a government attempt to silence critics. Forty-eight suspects have been jailed.

Istanbul chief prosecutor Aykut Cengiz Engin speaks to the media in Istanbul, Turkey, Monday, July 14, 2008. (Ibrahim Usta)

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Turkey Indicts 86 for Coup Plot

Secularists allegedly tried to overthrow Islamic government

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Turkey Indicts 86 for Coup Plot

Secularists allegedly tried to overthrow Islamic government

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Turkey • Middle East • secularism • Recep Tayyip Erdogan • Kemal Ataturk • coup d'etat

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Islamists Lose Ground in Turkish Election

Government suffers setback as voters turn to secular parties

Turkey's PM Could Fall Over Headscarves

Attack by 'extreme' secular judges will hopefully fall short

Court Could Outlaw Turkey's 'Islamist Government'

Explosive trial could bar ruling party, prez and prime minister

Foes Gear to Fight New Bid By Ex-Islamist to Lead Turkey

Critics fear extreme religious shift for nation

Turkish Elections Boost PM

Islamist-rooted, pro-EU ruling party sees mandate in results

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