Judge bars 'Guantanamo jumpsuit'

If convicted, Loai al-Saqa could face life in prison

A judge in Turkey has barred a Syrian al-Qaeda suspect from a courtroom for wearing an orange jumpsuit - similar to those worn by Guantanamo Bay inmates.

The judge in Istanbul said Loai al-Saqa's outfit was "inappropriate" because it meant he had come into court with the intention of protesting.

Before being expelled, Mr Saqa entered the courtroom shouting "God is Great!"

He is on trial with 72 others accused of taking part in bomb attacks in Istanbul that killed 58 people in 2003.

The judge's ruling drew protests from Mr Saqa's lawyers.

"There is no law that forbids prisoners wearing orange clothes," attorney Osman Karahan told reporters.

"They won't let him speak because intelligence services, and especially the Americans, fear what he might say," the lawyer said.

If convicted, Mr Saqa could face life in prison.

The trial was adjourned until 3 August.