ISTANBUL (AFP) - Seven suspects were remanded in custody Wednesday over an alleged coup plot against Turkey's Islamist-rooted government in 2003, as part of a probe that has fanned tensions in the polarized country.

An Istanbul court ruled the suspects -- two active-duty admirals, two retired admirals, a retired one-star general and two retired colonels -- should be kept in jail pending trial, Anatolia news agency reported.
They were among about 50 military figures -- including the former chiefs of the navy and air force, Ozden Ornek and Ibrahim Firtina -- rounded up Monday in the toughest action so far targeting the influential Turkish armed forces.
Six others were released after questioning, Anatolia said.
Ornek and Firtina were expected to be questioned later Wednesday before the court decides whether to release them or keep them in custody.
In an emergency meeting Tuesday, the army's top brass discussed the ""serious situation"" after the arrests, a brief army statement said.
The meeting prompted a warning from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) against any moves to ""influence"" the judiciary.
Back from a visit to Spain, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with senior aides late Tuesday, and is yet to comment on the issue.
The probe has deepened rifts between secularist forces and the government that have plagued Turkey since the AKP -- the offshoot of a now-banned Islamist movement -- came to power in November 2002.
Photo: A Turkish court on Wednesday arrested and put behind bars seven senior military officers for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. Two of those arrested were admirals on active duty. (Photo: Zaman)