Harsh criticism for the lawyers of the lieutenants dismissed from the TSK: 'I think the lawyers must have seen this...'

12punto Editor-in-Chief Mustafa Büyüksipahi has reacted to the press statement made by the lawyers of the 5 lieutenants who were dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) on the grounds of 'indiscipline' after they crossed their swords and recited the officer's oath, chanting "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal" following the August 30, 2024, Military Academy graduation ceremony.

Sharing a post on his personal account on the social media platform X, Büyüksipahi argued that the lawyers were prioritizing their own names in their statements and were attempting to draw public attention to themselves. He further stated that the references to "legal action" against members of the press carried a threatening tone.

In the lawyers' statement in question, it was emphasized that the lieutenants had not made any statements to the press following the dismissal decision, and it was announced that legal proceedings would be initiated against the unlawful sharing of personal information and documents. However, journalist Büyüksipahi reminded that the photograph the lieutenants took at Anıtkabir was shared by journalist Müyesser Yıldız and that the area where the photo was taken is Anıtkabir, which is open to the public.

Criticizing the way the legal process is being managed, Büyüksipahi claimed that the lawyers knew the dismissal could not be prevented, and therefore, they did not fear being accused of failure and were trying to turn the developments into an opportunity to promote their own names.

Here is that post:

"I saw the press statement from the lieutenants' lawyers yesterday. They all listed their names one after another, chasing fame at a time when the lieutenants are paying a price. And they are also making veiled threats to members of the press. They rambled on about legal action and such.

Unfortunately, this is a disease in our country. The desire to take credit for everything, the craving for fame, the PR effort. There is a disease of wanting to be recognized and known among the people of our country.

The lawyers made the statement after the lieutenants went to Anıtkabir together and took a photo. The photo was first shared by 12punto's veteran writer, journalist Müyesser Yıldız. The place where the photo was taken is Anıtkabir. A public space.

I think the lawyers must have seen this... No matter what we did, the lieutenants were going to be dismissed anyway. Therefore, we won't be accused of failure. So, as the lieutenants' lawyers, let's make our names known, let's make a few press statements here and there."

News Source: 12punto