Alleged Turkish coup plot officers suspended

Three high-ranking officers have been removed from duty pending the outcome of a trial in which a group of military officers are accused of plotting to overthrow the Islamic-oriented ruling party.

The suspensions were the first time the government removed officers from duty and came as another indication of the growing civilian authority over the military.

The three – two major generals and a rear admiral – are among nearly 200 retired and active duty officers who will go on trial on 16 December in an alleged 2003 plot to create chaos and trigger a military takeover.