March for freedom of journalists in Turkey

Ankara: Some 2,000 people have marched in the Turkish capital to demand freedom for reporters detained on charges of involvement in an alleged coup plot.

The protesters, mostly journalists, also demanded reforms to Turkey's media laws that enable journalists to be prosecuted for their writing.

Today's protest comes weeks after Turkish authorities arrested seven more journalists over links to an alleged hardline secularist plot to overthrow the government in 2003.

The detentions drew heavy criticism from western governments and media rights groups. Some 400 people, including military officers, politicians and journalists, are already on trial.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denied accusations that he is using the trial to silence critics.