Ex-generals jailed in 1997 Turkish coup

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ANKARA, Turkey, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Two retired generals have been jailed for their alleged involvement in a 1997 Turkish coup that resulted in severe restrictions on religion, officials say.

The former military leaders were among five top commanders arrested after they testified in an inquiry one day before the 16th anniversary of the Feb. 28, 1997, revolt, Today's Zaman reported Wednesday.

Following their testimony, Gens. Aslan Guner and Erdal Ceylanoglu were arrested and ordered jailed.

Guner is a former deputy chief of general staff, while Ceylanoglu is the former Land Forces commander.

They were the top commanders during the coup. Ceylanoglu ordered tanks into the streets of Ankara in a show of force against the government. Guner headed the General Staff's intelligence department at the time.

Three other retired military officers also were arrested, but were conditionally released by the court.

More than 10 generals and admirals have been arrested in the past month as a result of the probe into the coup. Some 72 people have been jailed.