Turkish Parliament intervenes in 1980 coup trial

Hurriyet.com.tr

A tank is seen in front of the Turkish Parliament after the Sept 12, 1980 military coup. Hürriyet file photo

The Turkish Parliament, which was shut down following the Sept. 12, 1980 military coup, has intervened in the historic 1980 coup case starting today.

Parliament's application to intervene in the trial read as follows:

"Legislative power stood with the Turkish Parliament on the day of the military intervention, according to the 1961 Constitution. Legislative power was non-transferable and belonged absolutely and exclusevely to the Turkish Parliament.

"Through use of force and coercion, the suspects used unconstitutional authorities to strip Parliament of its legislative power, preventing it from carrying out its duties as laid out by the constitution.

"The Turkish Parliament is a first degree victim of the crime attributed to the suspects. It is therefore necessary for Parliament to intervene in the trial."

The Turkish Cabinet also decided to intervene in the trial yesterday.