Turkish ex-admirals arrested over criticism of Erdoğan's 'crazy' canal scheme

Officials interpret criticism of plans for new Istanbul waterway as direct challenge to civilian government

Turkey has detained 10 retired admirals over their public criticism of Recep Tayyip Erdoan's crazy" Istanbul canal project, which will create a new waterway from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean in addition to the existing Bosphorus strait.

The arrest warrants issued on Monday came a day after a group of 104 former senior navy officials signed an open letter warning that the proposed canal could harm Turkish security by invalidating an 85-year-old international treaty designed to prevent militarisation of the Black Sea.