Turkish journalist arrested for 'framing' military officers

Ankara: Turkey's state-run news agency says a journalist has been arrested pending trial for his alleged role in a conspiracy against military officers who were convicted in 2012 of plotting to overthrow the government.

Anadolu Agency says a court today ordered Mehmet Baransu jailed as part of an investigation into allegations that the military officers were framed by followers of a US-based Muslim cleric, a former ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who has now turned into a government foe.

In 2010, Baransu's Taraf newspaper published what it said was evidence showing that officers plotted against the government in 2003. Baransu later provided a suitcase-load of documents to prosecutors, including CDs that purported to prove the coup plans.

The officers had long claimed that the evidence was fabricated.