US efforts to sway judicial process not helpful: Turkey

WASHINGTON- Anadolu Agency

Turkey urged the U.S. to respect Ankara’s judicial process, referencing a statement by Washington asking for the release of Metin Topuz, who stands trial on suspected links to the FETÖ.

A Turkish court ruled to keep the Turkish employee of the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul behind bars for his alleged ties to terror group accused of being behind the 2016 coup attempt.

He stands trial on charges of espionage and overthrowing the Turkish government.

"Disappointed by the result of yesterday’s hearing in #Turkey. We have seen no credible evidence of any wrongdoing, yet @ABDIstanbul employee Metin Topuz remains in prison," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus tweeted.

"We again urge Turkish authorities to resolve this matter swiftly, transparently, and fairly."

The Turkish Embassy in Washington responded on the social media platform.

"Turkey is a democratic state governed by the rule of law. Everyone must respect the decisions of the independent courts. Attempts aiming at influencing due judicial process are not helpful," it said.

Topuz had contacts with Zekeriya Öz, a key FETÖ fugitive, as well as former police chiefs and soldiers affiliated with the terrorist group, according to an indictment by Istanbul prosecutors.

If convicted, Topuz will face a life sentence.

FETÖ and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gülen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people killed and nearly 2,200 injured.