Jailed MP arrested in a separate trial

ANKARA

This photo shows Alan (2nd R) as he is brought for a former investigation. AA photo

A prosecutor in Ankara investigating the Feb. 28 process ruled yesterday to arrest Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputy Engin Alan, who is currently imprisoned and was sentenced to 18 years in prison as part of the Balyoz (Sledgehammer) coup plot case on Sept. 21.

Alan was brought to the Ankara Court House by gendarmerie from Silivri Prison in Istanbul for interrogation as part of an ongoing investigation into the Feb. 28, 1997 “post-modern coup,” which refers to the harsh, army-led campaign athat forced Turkey’s first Islamist prime minister, the late Necmettin Erbakan, to resign in June 1997.

Alan was charged by the prosecutor for “forcefully toppling the government of the Republic of Turkey, partially or entirely blocking the duties of the government, attempting to block these duties and attempting to stage a coup.”

In his defense Alan explained that he was serving beyond Turkey’s borders fighting against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in northern Iraq at the time relating to the charges levied against him.

Alan also said he had no information regarding work carried out by the West Study Group (BÇG), a group legally formed within the General Staff to fight against religious fundamentalism.
Eventually, the judge ruled to arrest Alan on charges outlined in Article 312 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), which concerns attempts to topple the government or obstruct its mission partially or totally by using force and violence.

Alan will be able to appeal the decision within seven days.

MHP deputy Özcan Yeniçeri, who along with Engin Alan’s spouse Emine Nevin Alan and some other MHP deputies came to the Ankara Court House to support Alan, criticized the tight security measures.