Twenty-nine Turkish former police officers are on trial in Istanbul accused of aiding the failed military coup in July — the first trial over the attempt that led to some 270 deaths.
Renegade officers in Turkey's military used tanks, fighter jets and helicopters in their July 15 attempt to unseat the government, attacking the parliament and other key buildings. Turkey blamed it on a network of followers of the U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen.
The police officers standing trial on Tuesday are accused of aiding the coup by not carrying out their duties.
Prosecutors have demanded aggravated life prison terms for 21 officers charged with "attempted coup" while eight others face maximum 15 years in prison for membership in a terrorist organization.
Tens of thousands of soldiers, police, judges, teachers and government workers have been detained, suspended or placed under investigation since the coup.
The latest series of measures will give further fuel to critics who have warned the country is sliding towards an increasingly autocratic style of government.
President Erdogan has said the aim of the crackdown is to “cleanse all state institutions” of those suspected of involvement with the coup or with what he calls “the parallel state” – a reference to the movement founded by Mr Erdogan’s former ally and current nemesis Gülen.
