Landmark trial awaits coup leaders in Turkey

Leaders of the 1980’s failed attempt for a political coup in Turkey are now involved in a landmark trial.

After 30 years of the scandal, a court in Ankara will hear the case against 94-year-old Kenan Evren who became president after the coup.

50 people were executed and over half a million were arrested while hundreds died in jail following a military uprising. Kenan Evren was the Chief of the General Staff at that time.

Now, a silver haired and frail Evren is unlikely to appear for the trial as his medical condition does not allow him to do so. The former General, along with other survivors of the coup including Tashin Sahinkaya will give their testimonies through a video
link.

Two years ago, their immunity was overturn by referendum as they asked for life terms. However, it is very much possible that the two chief instigators will avoid prison only due to their old age and deteriorating health.

This trial will be symbolic of Turkey’s shift from military power to politics but naturally,  many are finding it difficult to forget the atrocities they witnessed all those years ago.

A demonstrator outside the court remembered her experiences of that time: “My father and husband were tortured on September 12 1980,” she said. “They were detained. We experienced the tragedy along with them so we are applying to be co-plaintiffs to call
them into account.”

Grievances will also be taken into account as hundreds of others have applied to be part of the prosecution.

On the day of the coup, Turkey’s economy was on the brink of collapse and large-scale unemployment was an eventuality. Turgut Ozal was blamed for the deteriorating economy at that time.

Investigation on the coup was initiated after the 2010 referendum. The provisional article 15 of the constitution, which gives protection to coup leaders was abolished and now, all military personnel involved in devising coups will be tried in civilian courts.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=18106

Posted by Taimoor Tariq on Apr 4 2012. Filed under Europe. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry