TURKEY: Activists go on trial on terror charges

Eleven human rights activists, including two senior Amnesty International officials, have gone on trial in Istanbul on terror charges. They each face up to 15 years in jail on charges that include membership of and giving aid to an armed terror group. They deny the charges. Amnesty says the case is politically motivated, and it […]

Eleven human rights activists, including two senior Amnesty International officials, have gone on trial in Istanbul on terror charges.

They each face up to 15 years in jail on charges that include membership of and giving aid to an armed terror group. They deny the charges.

Amnesty says the case is politically motivated, and it is the Turkish justice system that is on trial.

A German and a Swedish national are among the defendants. 

The case has raised further concerns over freedom of expression in Turkey, the BBC’s Selin Girit reports. 

The country is still ruled under the state of emergency imposed after last year’s failed coup attempt. 

More than 50,000 people have been arrested and 120,000 sacked or suspended in the aftermath of the failed coup.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the measures are essential to maintain stability.