Istanbul: Hundreds of members of a pro-secular party are protesting the arrests of government opponents accused of plotting to bring down the Islamic-oriented government.

The Workers' Party members are also campaigning on Saturday for a "no" vote in a September 12 referendum on a package of government-backed constitutional reforms.
Critics contend the reforms are aimed increasing the government's sway over courts.

Party members from across Turkey will join them on Monday to march to a prison west of Istanbul where the accused are being held. They include the party's leader, Dogu Perincek.

Prosecutors say the accused plotted chaos to compel the military to take power from the government. Secularists believe the arrests are a government effort to intimidate them through the court.