Former general’s prison sentence postponed due to worsening health

ISTANBUL

Saygun was convicted last year of “trying to overthrow the government by force” in the “Balyoz” (Sledgehammer) case. Hürriyet photo

Former Gen. Ergin Saygun’s 18-year prison sentence has been postponed in line with new regulations authorizing such decisions in the event of convicts’ poor health.

Justice Ministry official Adnan Boynukara confirmed via Twitter earlier today that the postponement had been made in accordance with the newly altered regulations, which permit greater flexibility in the implementation of prison sentences.

Saygun was convicted last year of “trying to overthrow the government by force” in the “Balyoz” (Sledgehammer) case.

The retired general’s daughter, Ece Saygun, said her father was currently undergoing open-heart surgery. She had previously spoken about her father’s worsening condition, stating the cause of his troubles as a heart infection.

The Balyoz coup plot case lasted nearly three years and involved 365 suspects, 250 of whom were under arrest, including Saygun, retired Air Force Cmdr. Gen. Halil İbrahim Fırtına, retired Naval Force Cmdr. Adm. Özden Örnek, and retired 1st Army Cmdr. Gen. Çetin Doğan.

The allegations were brought to light after documents titled the “Balyoz Operation Plan,” allegedly dating back to 2003, were revealed by daily Taraf in 2010.