62 Turkish military men face trial in on charges of taking part

A total of 62 Turkish officers and soldiers have been referred to trial in Istanbul on charges of their alleged role in the failed military coup that took place last July, the Associated Press reported Monday.
The28 officers and 34 privates are accused of crimes against the state and, if convicted, they will face life terms in prison.
They allegedly seized control of Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the night of the attempt.
Some of the defendants have denied the charges insisting they were led to believe they were taking part in a drill.
Turkey blames the coup on the U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen and is engaged in a massive purge of his followers from government jobs. Gulen denies any involvement.
Monday's trial is the first in Istanbul for military officers. Twenty-nine police are already on trial for allegedly failing to protect the president.