Turkey indicts Israeli commanders for "incitement to murder"

Turkey on Monday officially indicted four top Israeli military commanders on charges of "inciting to kill monstrously" nine Turkish citizens two years ago. The victims were pro-Palestinian activists aboard the Mavi Marmara - a ship carrying aid that was raided by Israeli troops as it was attempting to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. Turkey indicts Israeli commanders for "incitement to murder" The Turkish justice authorities are seeking life in prison for each officer indicted. They include former Israeli army chief Gabi Ashkenazi, and commanders of the country's navy, air force, and military intelligence. While it is unlikely that the four will undergo trial in Turkey, the court could issue a warrant for their arrest if they are tried in absentia and found guilty, news agencies said on Monday. The indictment was raised days ahead of the second anniversary of the deadly raid, that seriously deteriorated the relations between Israel and Turkey - former allies. A UN investigation and subsequent report into the incident "mostly exonerated Israel", said reports. The document concluded that while the blockade of Gaza was "legal", Israel used "disproportionate force" during the raid. Turkey unsuccessfully requested Israel's official apology and compensation for the families of the victims. Israel maintains that its soldiers were attacked by activists using metal bars and knives, and that they responded with fire, killing nine people, "in self defense". Tanjug

Turkey indicts Israeli commanders for "incitement to murder"

The Turkish justice authorities are seeking life in prison for each officer indicted. They include former Israeli army chief Gabi Ashkenazi, and commanders of the country's navy, air force, and military intelligence.

While it is unlikely that the four will undergo trial in Turkey, the court could issue a warrant for their arrest if they are tried in absentia and found guilty, news agencies said on Monday.

The indictment was raised days ahead of the second anniversary of the deadly raid, that seriously deteriorated the relations between Israel and Turkey - former allies.

A UN investigation and subsequent report into the incident "mostly exonerated Israel", said reports. The document concluded that while the blockade of Gaza was "legal", Israel used "disproportionate force" during the raid.

Turkey unsuccessfully requested Israel's official apology and compensation for the families of the victims. Israel maintains that its soldiers were attacked by activists using metal bars and knives, and that they responded with fire, killing nine people, "in self defense".