Aggravated life imprisonment demanded for Gen. Basbug

A specially authorized prosecutor in Istanbul has charged the former Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug for plotting to overthrow the Turkish government yesterday.

The prosecutor asked aggravated life imprisonment for Gen. Basbug on charges of "attempting to overthrow the government through use of force," and "leading a criminal organization."

Gen. Basbug was arrested within the ongoing Internet memorandum case, which refers to an alleged document issued by the General Staff to set up 42 Internet sites to distribute propaganda against the government.  It was the first time a former top general had been arrested by a civilian court in Turkey.


/Hurriyet Daily News/