Yaşar Güler had pointed to November 25: Decision day for the lieutenants

Following the graduation ceremony at the National Defense University Military Academy on August 30, 2024, the newly graduated lieutenants crossed their swords to recite the oath according to school tradition and chanted the slogan "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal."

While pro-government media hinted that the young lieutenants were 'coup plotters,' AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, "Whoever is involved in this, we will ensure they receive the punishment they deserve. This is not a playground for those who do not know their place. We will certainly not leave our country to a field where these people who do not know their place can run wild."

Following Erdoğan's statement, an investigation was launched into the lieutenants.

DISMISSAL OF 5 LIEUTENANTS SOUGHT

While Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler pointed to November 25 for the lieutenants, saying, "We will make the decision at the High Disciplinary Board," CHP Deputy Chairman Yankı Bağcıoğlu announced that the number of lieutenants referred to the High Disciplinary Board with a request for 'dismissal' had risen to five.

It was learned that the acting regimental commander, battalion commander, and company commander were also among those referred to the High Disciplinary Board.

LIEUTENANT EBRU IDENTIFIED AS THE NUMBER ONE RESPONSIBLE

In the investigation report, it was alleged that the lieutenants committed the disciplinary offense of 'engaging in behavior that hinders service.'

Lieutenant Ebru Eroğlu, who led the oath, was identified as the 'number one responsible' party in the investigation.

MSB'S JUSTIFICATION FOR THE INVESTIGATION: TSK'S REPUTATION DAMAGED

The Ministry of National Defense, claiming that the reputation of the TSK had been damaged, issued a statement saying, "The issue is not the text read, but the failure to follow orders."

THE PROCESS AWAITING THE LIEUTENANTS FROM HERE ON

Speaking to Saygı Öztürk, retired military judge Cengiz Demirtaş explained the process that awaits the lieutenants from this point forward:

“The lieutenants or their lawyers can submit a written defense. After their defense, they can also make an oral defense before the Land Forces Command (KKK) High Disciplinary Board if they wish. The KKK High Disciplinary Board convenes under the chairmanship of the Land Forces Chief of Staff. The board includes the Chief of Operations, Chief of Intelligence, Chief of Personnel, Chief of Logistics, Chief of Project Management, Head of the Appointment/Assignment Department, and the Branch Manager in charge of disciplinary affairs. The lieutenant can also make an oral defense before the board if they wish.

The board may impose a separation penalty (dismissal from the profession), a lighter penalty, or return the file. If the board decides on a 'separation' penalty, the justification for this will be written, and if any members dissent from the decision, they will also write their dissenting opinion. The decision process is short, but writing the reasoned decision can take at least 20-25 days.

For the separation penalty to be carried out, the approval of the Land Forces Commander is required. The penalty becomes final after approval. If such a decision is made, the lieutenants have the right to file a lawsuit in the administrative court for a stay of execution and subsequently for the cancellation of the dismissal. The decision to be made by Land Forces Commander Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, who was once a lieutenant himself, will affect the future of the lieutenants."