Turkey: Alleged Russian gangsters face judge

By Huseyin Bagis

ISTANBUL (AA) - Suspected members of a Russian crime gang arrested last week for allegedly planning an armed assault in Istanbul had their first day in court on Monday, according to judicial sources.

On Monday, 17 defendants, including the group's alleged leader Guram Chikhladze, were sent to Istanbul's Caglayan Courthouse in the Turkish metropolis, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Last Friday, in simultaneous operations at six addresses in Istanbul, police arrested the alleged gangsters, including Chikhladze.

Police also seized a Kalashnikov rifle, 11 guns, and a large amount of ammunition.

The suspects are set to be tried for several offenses, such as establishing a criminal organization, crime gang membership, and attempted murder.

*Writing by Fahri Aksut