Turkey: Ex-top judges face jail over FETO charges

By Baris Kilic

ANKARA (AA) – Ankara prosecutors filed indictments on Friday against three former Supreme Court justices accused of being part of the terrorist group blamed for last July’s defeated coup in Turkey, according to a judicial source.

The indictments seek up to 15 years in prison for Ali Karagulmez, Ilhami Dal, and Mustafa Kemal Tepedelen, all charged with membership in the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The indictments also mention the ex-judges’ alleged involvement in restructuring the Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors.

According to Turkey’s government, FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also 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.