Returned to the TSK by court order: Colonel Alper Topsakal retired

It has been learned that Colonel Alper Topsakal, who was dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) as part of the sword-oath investigation at the Military Academy and later returned to duty after winning the lawsuit he filed, has been retired.

Topsakal, known as the commander of the lieutenants, had applied to the judiciary against the dismissal decision; after the legal process concluded in his favor, the way was cleared for his return to the TSK. According to the report by journalist Ersin Eroğlu, a decision to retire has now been made regarding Topsakal, who had regained his uniform through a court ruling.

During the period between his dismissal and his return to duty, Topsakal had worked at the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality.

HIS WORDS IN COURT HAD BECOME A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION

Speaking at the hearing of the lawsuit he filed for his return to the TSK, Topsakal stated that he had undertaken difficult duties throughout his professional life and that the dismissal decision was an injustice to him.

“I want to return to military service. To rectify the injustice done to me. I am here as someone who has dedicated his life to the homeland, only to have his uniform taken away in the end. During those intense duties, I neglected my family; I could not even attend my father's funeral. It is crude for a person to have to explain themselves. I have been away from my family for nearly 10 years. I gave orders for people to die... You asked if I worked. I have to provide for my family. I have no savings.”

Topsakal's words at the hearing, “If loyalty to the founding principles of the Republic of Turkey and to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk damages one's reputation; then let me be dismissed, but let the children return,” also resonated widely with the public.

Topsakal, an officer with a background in Special Forces, served in various roles both domestically and abroad throughout his career. He served in the Special Forces Command, the Cyprus Commando Regiment, the 7th Corps Command, the 16th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the Eğirdir Mountain and Commando School, and commando units in Tunceli, Kayseri, Denizli, and Hakkari.

It is stated that Topsakal also served in the Euphrates Shield and Peace Spring operation zones, as well as the Hakurk region in northern Iraq, and held the position of Deputy Commander of the Military Academy Student Regiment in 2024.

News Source: 12punto