Ex-general’s rank may be revoked: Minister

SİVAS - Doğan News Agency

Defense Minister İsmet Yılmaz (R) is welcomed by officlals in Sivas.

Defense Minister İsmet Yılmaz said Aug. 9 that retired Gen. İlker Başbuğ, who was sentenced to life in prison in the Ergenekon coup plot case, may lose his rank, according to the law.

“If he is convicted [if his conviction is approved by the higher courts] there is an article saying that his rank will be revoked due to the conviction. This article will be executed as long as it exists,” said Yılmaz upon a question during his visit to the Central Anatolian city of Sivas.

Yılmaz also said the decision of the court of appeals was not final, adding that individuals can apply to the Constitutional Court.

‘Jurisdiction not final’

“Now there is the right to apply to the Constitutional Court for individuals. People can apply to the European Court of Human Rights,” said Yılmaz, adding that the jurisdiction on the case is not final.

The landmark ruling in the Ergenekon coup plot case was released on Aug. 5.

The court ruled for the conviction of more than 250 people on charges of attempting to topple the government, while jailing Başbuğ for life.