Mansur Yavaş speaks on hiring lieutenants dismissed from the TSK: 'It cannot be expected that we watch them lose their positions...'

While all eyes are on January 16th regarding the dismissal process of the lieutenants who chanted "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal" while crossing swords at the Military Academy graduation ceremony, it has emerged that Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavaş hired three lieutenants who were dismissed from the TSK after arguing with another officer for not wearing an Atatürk pin during a November 10th ceremony at the Tuzla Infantry School.

ABB Mayor Yavaş made statements regarding the matter. Speaking to Sözcü columnist Saygı Öztürk, Yavaş said, "It cannot be expected that we watch them lose their positions."

Stating that the lieutenants remained unemployed after being dismissed, Yavaş said, "They have applied to the court to return to duty. However, it is unclear when the court will reach a verdict. They are young, well-educated people. There are areas where we need their expertise. I thought someone needed to look after them. Because the reason for the argument is clear."

Yavaş continued as follows:

"It cannot be expected that we watch these lieutenants lose their positions due to a dispute over Turkey's common values. As an administrator, we also had a need. Therefore, we wanted to utilize them, that is all. We specifically did not announce to anyone that they had been hired. Because they would look for something political behind it. In any case, they will return to their duties if the court rules in their favor. They want to return to their primary duties as soon as possible."

"WE DID NOT ANNOUNCE IT TO ANYONE"

"Looking after these people is nothing more than a sensitive act by a public institution and a citizen who owes a debt to this country. I also believe they will be reinstated. Standing up for Atatürk and standing up for the country's common values cannot be a crime. I hope the court will do what is necessary. Unfortunately, the dismissal of the lieutenants from the profession is somewhat related to the current climate."

News Source: 12punto