Joint statement from lawyers following the dismissal of lieutenants: 'It will go down in history'

Müyesser Yıldız / 12punto

Five of the lieutenants who crossed their swords and chanted "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal" following their graduation ceremony have been officially dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) according to a decision announced moments ago. The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) stated, "Five lieutenants have been given the penalty of separation from the Turkish Armed Forces."

The lawyers for the dismissed lieutenants released a joint statement following the decision.

"IT WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE TRIAL OF 'MUSTAFA KEMAL'S SOLDIERS'"

The statement said the following:

"The fact that our five client lieutenants, who were singled out from among hundreds of lieutenants who said 'We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal' and recited the officer's oath—expressing their loyalty to the Republic of Turkey and their readiness to gladly give their lives against threats to the Turkish homeland—during the traditional sword-crossing ceremony following the Military Academy graduation, were subjected to disciplinary proceedings and punished with dismissal from the TSK, was announced to the public as a press release with great lack of seriousness and in a manner contrary to state traditions, even before it was officially notified to the parties concerned.

There is no doubt that this trial will go down in history not as a trial for disobedience of orders, but as it truly is: the trial of 'Mustafa Kemal's Soldiers'.

This penalty decision, which is contrary to truth and law and was issued under the pressure of circles hostile to Republican values on politics and bureaucracy who cannot accept the graduation of Atatürk's military officers from the Military Academy, has already been condemned in the conscience of the Turkish Nation.

The ranks of our brilliant, young, and dignified lieutenants have been taken for now, but the Military Academy badge remains in their hearts, and their stars remain in the heart of the Turkish Nation. We have infinite faith that the courts, which will conduct trials acting solely in the name of the Turkish nation, will stand against this lawlessness."

News Source: 12punto