Ministry investigates top General’s health

ANKARA - Anatolia News Agency

Balyoz suspect Ergin Saygun, whose heart functions reportedly stand at 30 percent and whose lungs function at 40 percent, has been in prison since March 14.

The Ministry of Justice has launched a formal investigation into an incident in which former general Ergin Saygun, currently being held as a suspect in the Balyoz (Sledgehammer) case, was taken to hospital in a patrol wagon instead of an ambulance after he became sick on July 21. The ministry has also sent an inspector to Silivri Prison to determine the prison’s conditions.

Ergin Saygun, whose heart functions reportedly stand at 30 percent and whose lungs function at 40 percent, has been in prison since March 14. He has 18 different medical problems and receives 25 different pieces of medication, according to reports.

Saygun’s daughter, Ece Saygun, said she had no complaints against the prison management, but rather the court that ruled her father should be in jail despite his critical state of health. 

“Institutions are handing my father to each other. They are carrying him from one place to another and he is getting worse every day. It is not possible for him to remain staying in prison,” she said.

In its first report, Forensic Medicine said: “Saygun can stay in prison if he can receive his treatment there.” The prison said it could not provide treatment, and Saygun is currently receiving treatment at Silivri Public Hospital. 

Third judicial reform abused, lawyers say

Meanwhile, the lawyers of nine suspects, including retired general Çetin Doğan and Kadir Sağdıç in the same case, also filed a complaint on July 24 to the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) against the court delegation heading the case. The complaint claims that the court has illegally continued the arrests of the suspects.

According to the amendment that was recently adopted with the third judicial reform package, the suspects should be discharged from prison, lawyers say.