Retired Admiral Türker Ertürk's testimony revealed: 'I believe the continuation of the government harms the country'

The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an ex officio investigation into retired Admiral Türker Ertürk regarding video content published on various social media platforms. Within the scope of the investigation, Ertürk was detained on charges of "threatening to create fear and panic among the public" and "incitement to commit a crime," and was subsequently arrested by the court.

The focus of the investigation was the circulation of Ertürk's past television program statements on social media in a manipulative manner. It was noted that the videos in question date back approximately 3.5 and 11 years.

STATEMENT IN HIS DEFENSE TO THE PROSECUTOR: "I DO NOT BELIEVE MY SENTENCES CONSTITUTE A CRIME"

Retired Admiral Türker Ertürk made evaluations regarding the allegations during his defense before the prosecutor's office. He stated the following:

"The identity and address information written above belongs to me. While I understand the accusations against me, I wish to make my defense in the presence of my lawyer.

The speeches containing the content shared on social media, 'look, the government will change now, whether painfully or painlessly the government will change, that is why everyone should come to their senses, you and I, of course, everyone, that is why we expect the Supreme Election Council to make decisions according to their conscience and the law, otherwise we will face difficulties as a country in the future. If we cannot bring down this government through democratic initiatives one day, international initiatives that could punish the Turkish people will be carried out,' belong to me. At the same time, I am the person who reacted in affirmation to the host's question, 'of course they know the price, don't they, sir?' on this television program."

Ertürk emphasized that the videos were shared out of context and claimed that these social media posts distorted the content.

"I BELIEVE THE CONTINUATION OF THE GOVERNMENT HARMS THE COUNTRY"

In the continuation of his testimony, Ertürk stated that his views should be considered entirely within the scope of political evaluation. He said, "I said these words because I thought that if the government changes as soon as possible, our country will not suffer. My sentences should be considered within the scope of political evaluation. I believe that as long as the current government continues, our country will suffer. As a matter of fact, as seen now, the authorized bodies of the state are sitting at the table with the PKK and terrorists. This shows that my statements are justified. I do not believe that the aforementioned statements constitute a criminal element as I have stated."