Trial began against 28 accused of killing Russian ambassador in Turkey

The trial against 28 people, accused of their role in the assassination of Russia's ambassador to Turkey, began in Turkey, the Associated Press broadcast.

Among the accused is US-based Muslim cleric Fetullah Gylen, whom Turkey blames for a failed coup.

An off duty police officer, Mevlut Mert Altintas, killed Russian Ambassador Andrei Karlov at a photo exhibition in the Turkish capital on December 19, 2016. Turkish police later shot him dead at the scene.

Turkish prosecutors concluded that a network led by Muslim cleric Fetullah Gulen was behind Karlov's assassination and the attack aimed to undermine ties between Turkey and Russia.

They have accused 16 defendants, including Gylenin, of “violation of constitutional order”, “membership in a terrorist organisation” and “alleged deaths in order to cause terrorism”.

Prosecutors seek life sentences.

Gylinen, who has been living in the United States since 1999, has denied involvement in the coup and the murder of the Russian diplomat.

Other defendants include former police officers, photo exhibition organiser, a former Turkish intelligence agent and a former columnist from the Turkish newspaper, who also now lives in the United States.

Fourteen defendants appeared in court Tuesday, while four others were linked to the courtroom through a video connection from separated prisons. Güney and some others are being tried in absentia. (REL)