An Ankara high criminal court on Friday ruled to release 37 of the 75 suspects who were under arrest as part of an investigation into the Feb. 28, 1997 postmodern coup Today1s Zaman reported.
Among the suspects the Ankara 13th High Criminal Court released were former Land Forces Commander retired Gen. Erdal Ceylanoglu and retired Gen. Engin Alan, who is under arrest as part of a separate trial.
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office submitted an indictment of suspected actors in the Feb. 28, 1997 unarmed coup to the Ankara 13th High Criminal Court late last month. The court accepted the indictment last week.
The Ankara 13th High Criminal Court received the 1,300-page indictment and has 15 days to either accept the indictment or send it back to prosecutors for revision. The court has not yet made this decision.
A coalition government led by a now-defunct conservative party was forced by the military to step down on Feb. 28, 1997. Not only were fatal blows dealt to fundamental rights and freedoms after the coup, but democracy and the rule of law were also suspended. The coup also introduced a series of harsh restrictions on religious life.
The Ankara court said on Friday that the first hearing in the case will be held on Sept. 2.
The indictment demands aggravated life imprisonment for 103 military actors of the time.
Former Chief of General Staff retired Gen. İsmail Hakkı Karadayı is referred to as the number one suspect in the indictment. Among other top suspects in the document are former Deputy Chief of General Staff retired Gen. Cevik Bir, former 1st Army Commander retired Gen. Yalcin Ataman and former Secretary-General of the General Staff retired Maj. Gen. Erol Ozkasnak. The suspects are accused of overthrowing the government and preventing it from performing its duties.
Ankara court rules to release 37 Feb. 28 suspects pending trial
Ankara court rules to release 37 Feb. 28 suspects pending trial
