Ergenekon verdict should have political impacts: PM's chief adviser Akdoğan

ANKARA - Doğan News Agency

Yalçın Akdoğan had said that the Ergenekon trial was 'the biggest settling of accounts in Turkish history' following the verdict. Hürriyet photo

The process that started with the Ergenekon investigation will also have political impacts, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's chief political adviser, Yalçın Akdoğan, said Aug. 7, explaining his previous tweets stating that the trial was "the biggest settling of accounts in Turkish history."

"The [Ergenekon trial verdict] is important politically as well because our political [evolution] requires political cleanings," Akdoğan said in remarks to private broadcaster Kanal 24.

"In other words, [those with] the mentality defending the [military] tutelage and status quo can see that they won't get away with what they do, thanks to the judiciary. The trial of a mentality which has attempted a coup is politically significant," he added.

Commenting on the current risks of a coup in Turkey, Akdoğan said certain problems and necessities were still at stake. "This is a struggle. The important thing here is how much you can protect and strengthen the democratic structure."

Akdoğan also admitted that the trial acquired a "human side" due to the heavy sentences, noting that an appeal process was still open.

"These trials have several different aspects. The mere fact that very important people from different parts of society have been tried is very important. That the claims of an attempted coup became subject of a trial make is more significant. That's why what I said about a 'legal settling of accounts' is very important."