Probes are ‘asymmetric, psychological,’ says ex-army chief
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet
Hürriyet photo
Former Chief of General Staff Gen. İlker Başbuğ has described the recent probes that landed him in jail as a "asymmetric, psychological movement to dishonor the Turkish armed forces” in a recent interview.Speaking through his lawyer, the jailed former general told Toygun Atilla of daily Hürriyet that "freedom is not only about being outside."
"I feel just as free in here," Başbuğ said.
“I fought against unjust slander in the public eyes of the Turkish Armed Forces personnel. And yes, I fought with all my strength against any negative impact that the unity and discipline of the Armed Forces may go through. And yes, I told relative authorities about all the problems we faced, and I, from time to time, told the public about my views. This is what I've done, and what I've tried to do,” he said.
"Now I see I was jailed, and retired, simply for talking," Başbuğ said. "This cannot be seen simply as personal. To call the head of the Turkish Armed Forces a terrorist is a heavy charge against the whole of the Armed Forces."
Başbuğ also said the recent probes were causing the public to have a negative view of the Turkish justice system.
“It is impossible to [avoid] seeing that the public conscience is uncomfortable with all this,” He said.
