Turks on trial for Istanbul suicide bombings

Nine al-Qaida-linked Turks, accused of a series of Istanbul suicide bombings that killed 61 people including the British consul, appeared in court today.

Some defiantly flashed V for victory signs as police led them into the Istanbul court.

They were expected to testify this week for the first time. Another 60 are also on trial accused of involvement in the attacks

The November 2003 bombings targeted two synagogues, the British Consulate and the local headquarters of the London-based HSBC bank. Prosecutors say 61 people, including British Consul-General Roger Short, were killed and more than 600 others injured in the attacks.

The court began hearing the case in late May, but adjourned in July for the summer before testimony from top suspects could be heard.

In their 128-page indictment, prosecutors are demanding life sentences for five suspects they say played direct roles in the bombings. The other 64 suspects could face prison sentences ranging from four to 22 years.

Among the suspects in court today was Adnan Ersoz, who is alleged to have had several meetings with Abu Hafs al-Masri, a former top lieutenant of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden,

Several alleged top ringleaders of the attacks remain at large.

Turkish television stations broadcast a video believed to have been prepared by militants that claimed that Habib Akdas, the suspected leader of the cell, was killed in a US bombing raid in Iraq.