Investigate Generals Plans of a Coup

"If true, this constitutes the crime of intending to overhaul the constitution. These allegations should be immediately and thoroughly investigated".

Two different plans

Örnek's diaries quote in great detail how four major generals of the time conspired for a coup d'etat.

They also include a separate plan by chief of the gendarmerie, Gen. Şener Eruygur to overthrow the government and bypass the parliament.

Published texts constitute how the accused general planned to move step by step regarding relations with the media, MP's, political party leaders etc.

Although Gen. Örnek denied all allegations saying that he never kept a diary and all published texts are made-up, politicians and NGO's criticized the possibility of such an attempt.

On the other hand, alleged diaries give information about relations with key figures in media, business circles and politics as well as state officials in great detail.

At some point, Örnek even criticizes his fellow generals and the army's lack of contact with the public.

"Others must also be investigated"

Alataş urged an investigation into the allegations: "Courts must look into these serious allegations and reveal the authenticity of them".

Furthermore, he noted that a parliamentary commission must be established on the issue.

"I would be naive to think that the plans for a coup could be limited to four generals. During the investigation, all officials at all levels who are related to those plans should come into daylight. They should also face persecution".

Alataş says bar associations, which are bound to protect the constitutional system by definition, should also act. Lastly, all citizens have the duty to react to such, he added.

Army intervention normalized

Nokta's article fits perfectly well within the web of relations between civilians, army officials, and journalists etc. who featured often in the "Kemalist-nationalist" movement gaining ground in recent years.

In the light of these scandalous plans, editor-in-chief of the magazine, Alper Görmüş points out the fact that there's sound reason to suspect the authenticity and sincerity of civic reactions, notably several street demonstrations which took place at the time.

"We can say that: Army intervenes into politics using 'civilians' so convey the legitimacy of its opposition to the government, deemed as Islamist and as a result anti-Kemalist".

Retired Gen. Eruygur, who features in both coup d'etat plans, is the chair of Kemalist Thought Association (ADD) now.

"This not a unique example" says Alataş. "There are many ex-army officials in nationalist/racist groups and associations. This is an important indication regarding the army's approach".

He thinks that the lack of a reconciliation in Turkey with its past contributes to the environment where new coups can flourish. "We witnessed the postmodern coup on February 28, 1997. No general has been held responsible for that".

Same applies to three others military coups in the past. "The main problem is when democracy is reconstituted, the crimes of the past have never been investigated. This apathy instigates new ones".(TK/EÜ)