Critical warning from Cem Gürdeniz: It creates the impression that lessons have not been learned from FETÖ plots

It has been alleged that a scuffle broke out between lieutenants at the Tuzla Infantry School Command during the November 10 Atatürk Commemoration ceremony, involving a lieutenant who did not want to wear an Atatürk photograph on his lapel and threw the photograph on the ground.

According to a report by Veryansın Tv, all lieutenants were given an Atatürk photograph and pin to wear on their chests during the November 10 Atatürk Commemoration ceremonies. It is alleged that not only did one lieutenant refuse to wear the pin, but he also crumpled and threw away the photograph. When other lieutenants who witnessed this reacted, it was learned that the lieutenant who crumpled the Atatürk photograph stated, "I admire Atatürk's military side, but I do not agree with what he did after the republic."

A scuffle broke out between the soldiers who reacted to these words and the lieutenant who tore up the Atatürk photograph, along with his friends.

It was stated that as the scuffle between the two groups escalated, police and gendarmerie from outside were involved. Following this scuffle, other soldiers hung an Atatürk poster on the door of the room where the lieutenant, who is alleged to have ties to a religious sect and to have exhibited similar behavior at the Military Academy (Harbiye), was staying. After the same lieutenant tore down this poster as well, another scuffle broke out between the soldiers who reacted to this disrespect toward Atatürk and the lieutenant who tore up the Atatürk photograph, along with other soldiers who supported him.

Retired Rear Admiral Cem Gürdeniz commented on the events alleged to have taken place at the Tuzla Infantry School Command on his social media account. Gürdeniz emphasized that it leaves the impression that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) have not learned lessons from the FETÖ plots. Gürdeniz wrote the following:

"If this grave incident is true rather than just an allegation, it creates the impression in the public eye that the TSK has not learned from the FETÖ plots and that political religious structuring continues like a cancer. In the current internal and external security conjuncture, this is extremely dangerous. It is a serious wound to the traditions and discipline of the army. I hope the Ministry of National Defense addresses the incident across our entire Armed Forces and does what is necessary."