Former Interior Minister Tantan evaluates the dismissal of lieutenants: 'Written and unwritten rules'

The lieutenants who performed a 'sword oath' and chanted 'We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal' following the Military Academy graduation ceremony had become a major topic of discussion in Turkey. The lieutenants were referred to the High Disciplinary Board (YDK) with a request for 'dismissal'.

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced the penalties for the lieutenants and their commanders. The decision announced that 5 lieutenants and 3 disciplinary officers were dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

"NO ORDERS WERE GIVEN BY THEIR SUPERIORS"

Former Interior Minister Sadettin Tantan reacted to the dismissal decision regarding the lieutenants. Stating that lieutenants only receive orders from their superiors after they graduate and the ceremony concludes, Tantan said that no orders were given to the lieutenants by their superiors regarding the matter.

Expressing that law is divided into written and unwritten rules, Tantan stated that the sword oath taken by the lieutenants falls under unwritten rules, that this oath is traditionally performed after every graduation, and that he condemns the dismissal of the lieutenants from the TSK.

"I STRONGLY CONDEMN IT"

In a post on his social media account, Tantan said the following,

“When we look at the incident from a legal perspective; a superior is the person authorized to give orders by virtue of their position and rank. After the lieutenants graduate and the ceremony ends, their only superiors are the EDOK commander or the Land Forces commander. No orders were given to the lieutenants by them.

As is well known, legal rules are divided into written and unwritten rules. Just as no written order was given to the lieutenants, what the lieutenants did falls within the scope of traditions, customs, and practices that are part of unwritten legal rules. This matter is traditionally performed after every graduation.

While in the past a judge in Germany did not grant a sentence reduction based on Turkish traditions to a person who treated his wife poorly, I would like to underline once again that I strongly condemn this wrong decision made by a board that does not take into account the traditions and customs of our own country.”

When we look at the incident from a legal perspective; a superior is the person authorized to give orders by virtue of their position and rank. After the lieutenants graduate and the ceremony ends, their only superiors are the EDOK commander or the Land Forces commander. No orders were given to the lieutenants by them.
As is well known…

— Sadettin Tantan (@sadettintantan) February 5, 2025