Turkey opens trial into worst mining disaster

The trial, which is expected to be lengthy, opened at a court specially created for the process around 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Soma in western Turkey in the town of Akhisar, an AFP correspondent reported.
 
Forty-five people are standing trial, including eight former top managers from the Soma Komur group that ran the mine who are charged with murder.    

Hundreds of police were deployed outside the courtroom to prevent clashes, with supporters of the victims arguing the government is also responsible for turning a blind eye to safety shortcomings at the mine.
 
For security reasons, the judge has ruled that the eight former managers who are in custody in Izmir will give their statements via video-link.