ANKARA, Turkey, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Eighty-six people went on trial Monday, suspected of belonging to a criminal network accused of violent actions designed for an eventual military takeover.
The indictment, made public in June, claims Ergenekon is behind a series of political assassinations carried out during the past 20 years, Today's Zaman reported. Victims of alleged Ergenekon crimes include journalist Ugur Mumcu, business leader Ozdemir Sabanci and Necip Hablemitoglu.
The existence of Ergenekon, a network Today's Zaman said used social and psychological engineering to shape Turkish policy has been suspected for years, the publication said. However, the investigation that led to Monday's trials began in 2007.
The Ergenekon indictment accused 86 suspects of gangland ties, including membership in an armed terrorist group, attempting to destroy the government and inciting people to rebel against the Republic of Turkey" among other charges, Today's Zaman reported.
