Journalists on trial for alleged coup plot

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency (DHA)

Journalists and their supporters gather outside the Justice Palace to protest against the detention of journalists in Istanbul. REUTERS photo

Journalists were among the suspects in a second hearing in Istanbul for a trial on an alleged organization aimed at toppling the current government.
 
Journalists Nedim Şener, Ahmet Şık, Yalçın Küçük and numerous others are on trial for alleged links to the Ergenekon gang, alleged to be an organization aimed at toppling the government by spreading chaos and discord throughout society.
 
The hearing started by identifying the suspects. Veteran journalist Küçük was first to be called to the podium. When asked his profession, Küçük replied, "I am stand-in at trials," which prompted subdued laughs from the spectators in the courthouse. 
 
"I am a veteran," Küçük said, "I seized the airport in Cyprus and I seized Famagusta. I am a stand-in at important trials. I am also a retired professor. I frequently get imprisoned as every military administration has exiled me from universities."
 
Other suspects were also called to identify themselves and the court called for a recess at noon. 
 
The hearing continued a news presenter from state-run broadcaster TRT reading the 130-page indictment to the court. 
 
The indictment's reading is expected to be completed in a follow-up session.