THE GUARDIAN: About 20 held in investigation into alleged rightwing network
Turkish police today detained about 20 people, including serving military officers, as part of an investigation into an alleged plot to topple the government.
The operation was part of an investigation into the "Ergenekon" network, an alleged rightwing militant group that prosecutors say had planned to overthrow prime minister Tayyip Erdogan's AK party government, according to broadcaster NTV.
The suspects were detained in eight cities, the television report said. No details of names were given. More than 200 civilians and retired and working officers in the military are on trial accused of membership of Ergenekon.
Close to 40 other officers, including generals and admirals, have recently been charged as part of a separate alleged coup plot. Critics accuse the AK party government of using the investigations to hound secularist opponents. >>> Agencies | Thursday, March 18, 2010
