Serbia marks 2nd anniversary of defeated coup attempt

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Various events in memory of the victims of.the defeated 2016 coup on July 15, 2016 in Turkey will trake place across Serbia

A "15 July Democracy and National Union Day" exhibition showcasing Anadolu Agency's photos on Thursday has opened in the northern city of Novi Sad under the auspices of Turkey's Embassy in Belgrade and theTurkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA).

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Turkish Ambassador Tanju Bilgic said 251 people who were trying to defend democracy on the night of the coup attempt lost their lives and about 2,000 people were injured.

Bilgic also hailed Serbia's efforts to support Turkey in its fight against the FETO terrorist organization.

On Friday, 251 seedlings were planted in the western city of Sjenica for each martyr of the 2016's defeated coup.

The event was organized by the Turkish Embassy in Serbia, in cooperation with TIKA and the Municipality of Sjenica.

The seedlings were planted by Tanju Bilgic, Sjenica mayor Hazbo Mujovic and TIKA coordinator Cagla Gultekin Tosbat.

"Our people heroically prevented this coup attempt, but despite this we had 251 martyrs and more than 2,000 injuries, "said Bilgic.

An event marking the Day of Democracy and National Unity was also held in the southern city of Novi Pazar.

Short Anadolu Agency videos of the defeated coup were shown at the event.

A children's cycling race in the capital Belgrade is to be held on Saturday morning as a sign of friendship between Serbia and Turkey.

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

Ankara accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.