Ministry of National Defense responds to cult-like organization at Tuzla Infantry School: Duty stations changed!

The Ministry of National Defense has issued a statement regarding a group of lieutenants who refused to wear a photograph of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, on November 10, and the subsequent tensions that arose. 

The following statements were made in the announcement regarding the scandal in question:

When asked about the incident at the Tuzla Infantry School Command and the subsequent allegations, MSB sources shared the following information:

"As we stated at the Weekly Press Briefing on November 23, an administrative and judicial investigation was immediately launched into the incident that occurred at the Infantry School Command on the 85th anniversary of the passing of the founder of our Republic and our eternal commander-in-chief, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, as is the case with every incident and situation contrary to discipline. Our Minister also made the necessary statements at the Annual Press Evaluation Meeting on December 16. Finally, a statement was also made yesterday via our Ministry's official social media and internet accounts.

We would like to emphasize once again that in our Turkish Armed Forces, whose priority is to maintain established discipline, there should not be the slightest doubt that no person, incident, or situation that shakes its fundamental values, is contrary to discipline, or disrupts or could disrupt military hierarchy will be tolerated.

In the incident in question, it has been determined that there were issues such as failing to act in accordance with the meaning and importance of the day within the framework of relevant legislation during national commemoration and celebration days, ceremonies, and holidays; words and behaviors containing disrespect for the cherished memory of Atatürk; encouraging others to commit crimes by targeting other personnel; and serious insults and threats.

DUTY STATIONS CHANGED

Within the scope of the administrative investigation conducted by the Land Forces Command, in order to ensure that the examination and research continue safely and soundly, the personnel who caused the incidents have been temporarily suspended from duty in accordance with Article 29 of the TSK Disciplinary Law and referred to the High Disciplinary Board. Furthermore, the duty stations of the commanding officers who did not fully fulfill their oversight and inspection responsibilities in the said incident have been changed.

"IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION"

The administrative investigation into the incident has been completed, and the judicial and disciplinary process is ongoing. Within the scope of the judicial investigation, as stated in Article 157 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CMK), the investigation phase is, as a rule, conducted in secret from the public. Therefore, it is not appropriate to provide information until the judicial process is concluded.

"NO PERSONNEL HAVE BEEN DISMISSED FROM THE TSK"

Furthermore, contrary to what is alleged in the public, there is no personnel who has yet been given a dismissal penalty from the Turkish Armed Forces. Our Turkish Armed Forces is acting within the framework of the law in this incident, as it does in every incident. Following the completion of the necessary examination/research by the High Disciplinary Board, the most accurate and objective decision will be made and, as our Minister has stated, it will be shared with the public.

Unfair, unseemly, and baseless criticisms are being made about the Turkish Armed Forces and our Minister regarding this incident. It is not anyone's place to try to question the love for Atatürk and the commitment to Atatürk of our Turkish Armed Forces and our Minister."

Regarding allegations on social media that there are cult-like organizations within the TSK, sources responded: "The Turkish Armed Forces carries out all its activities within the framework of the constitution and current legislation. If any action contrary to the constitution and legislation is detected, uncompromising and immediate action is taken."