Commander defends himself with Galileo case

ISTANBUL-Doğan News Agency

Former Air Force Cmdr. Halil İbrahim Fırtına, one of the suspects being held under arrest in connection with the Balyoz (Sledgehammer) coup plot case, spoke at the 102nd hearing in the case yesterday, comparing himself to Italian scientist Galileo Galilei.

During yesterday’s hearing in the case, in which 365 are charged, of whom 250 are being held in jail, Fırtına cited the example of 17th-century Galilei in his defense. Galileo was imprisoned for insisting that the earth is round, and then was given probation after the Pope forgave him and sent him to his farm, Fırtına said.

Defense

“Even in the most strict, Catholic, extremist system, probation was implemented, although [Galileo’s words] contrasted with [society’s] faiths and beliefs. So it would be better for you to think over our proposals, which will both help you and [make this a] fair trial,” Fırtına said.

Fırtına sais he had not wanted to make a defense before, because he did not have a lawyer. “I don’t find it moral togive my defense here, while my lawyer is waiting outside. My lawyer is not attending the trials because his demands are not recognized. Why don’t you invite my lawyer to the trials? If he is not present, I don’t think I will be able to make an effective defense. We always stick to our right to remain silent, but others do not do that. I think the law remains ineffective in protecting us,” Fırtına said.