196 Coup Plotters Charged in Turkey
July 22, 2010
By: Randi Zung

On July 19, a Turkish court charged 196 people with attempting to plot a coup against the government.  Operating under the codename “Operation Sledgehammer,” the alleged coup was intended to overthrow the government in 2003.  According to BBC News, coup suspects have been identified as former and current military officers, academics, journalists, and politicians.  The majority of the individuals charged on July 19 were originally arrested in February 2010.  According to the prosecution’s indictment, the accused coup plotters could face up to 15 to 20 years in jail if they are found guilty.  No trial date has been set.

Reuters reported that the multi-faceted plot was an attempt to destabilize the ruling Islamist-based Justice and Development (AK) Party government in order to justify a military takeover.  The coup plot involved plans to bomb historic mosques and to provoke the Greek government into shooting down a Turkish warplane.  The AK Party government, which advocates for a liberal market economy and was granted observer membership with the European Union (EU) in 1999, has controlled Turkey since 2002.  Since becoming an EU candidate country, Turkey has introduced substantial economic and human rights reforms.

The Turkish military has proven to be a dominant force within the country.  Known for its reputation as being secular stronghold, the military has overthrown the government three times since 1960.  According to the country’s 1982 Constitution, which was created by the military coup that seized power in 1980, Turkey’s government is democratic and secular.  In 1997, the Turkish military pressured the country’s first Islamist-led government into resigning.

For previous news on Turkey, please see:
http://ccd21.org/news/europe/turkey_military_leaders_arrested.html

Sources:
BBC News - Turkish court indicts 196 over 'coup plot'

Also See:
BBC Country Profile - Turkey

US State Department – Profile: Turkey

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