Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
ISTANBUL (AP) — A U.S official has called for the trial of a Turkish employee of the U.S. Consulate on espionage charges to be resolved "swiftly, transparently and fairly."
The trial was adjourned Wednesday until June 28.
Metin Topuz, a translator and assistant for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, has been jailed on charges of espionage and attempting to overthrow the Turkish government. His case is one of several issues that have strained ties between the NATO allies.
Topuz is accused of links to U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who the Turkish government blames for the 2016 coup attempt. Topuz, who faces a life sentence if convicted, denies the charges.
U.S. charge d'affaires Jeffrey Hovenier told reporters there was "no credible evidence of any criminal wrongdoing" against Topuz.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
