CHP submits bill for ‘restoration of honor’ of those accused in Balyoz case

ANKARA

CHP Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Akif Hamzaçebi. AA Photo

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) submitted a bill on July 4 for the “restoration of honor” of purged commanders, academics and public servants who were detained, convicted or suspended in the Balyoz (Sledgehammer) coup plot case.

The bill, submitted by CHP Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Akif Hamzaçebi, would enable the reinstating of public officers who were suspects in the Balyoz case and were forced to retire or whose duties were suspended.

June 18, the day when the Constitutional Court issued its ruling that the rights of a majority of the convicted suspects in the Balyoz coup plot case were violated, will also be declared as a “Right to Fair Trail and Freedom Day,” according to the bill.

If the bill passes into law, the related public officers will return to duty within 30 days.

The Constitutional Court had stated in particular that the rights of the 230 convicted suspects were breached specifically regarding the digital data used as evidence throughout the trial, as well as the defendants’ testimonies. The ruling thus paved the way for a retrial.