Turkish junta suppresses key opposition politicians

Turkey's military junta staged a major political crackdown only six months before promised national elections. The military council banned all activities of the Grand Turkey Party and ordered indefinite house arrests for former Prime Minister Suleyman Demirel, two founders of the party, and 13 other politicians. The Grand Turkey Party was expected to be the strongest competitor against the military-backed Nationalist Democracy Party. Mr. Demirel, who was ousted as prime minister in a 1980 military coup, had thrown his support behind the Grand Turkey Party.