Turkey releases 3 ex-commanders in coup probe

Prosecutors in Turkey release three former commanders after questioning them over an alleged 2003 plot to topple the government.

Twenty senior military officers were charged this week, marking the most serious development to date in a series of alleged plots against the government by members of the armed forces.

The three most senior detainees — retired air force commander Ibrahim Firtina, former navy chief Ozden Ornek, and former deputy chief of general staff, Ergin Saygun — were released on Thursday evening.

But it is not yet clear if they could still face charges in connection with the case.

The detention on Monday of 50 senior officers accused of conspiring to topple Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's government in 2003 has rattled the Turkish currency and stocks, fueled talks of an early election and increased tension between the ruling Justice and Development Party and the military.

Erdogan, after holding talks with President Abdullah Gul, said that there is no plan for snap elections. Parliamentary elections are due in 2011.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=119520§ionid=351020204.