As the 14th Antalya Book Fair continues to host book lovers this year, one of the events featured a talk by İlker Başbuğ. During his discussion at the Düden Hall as part of the fair, Başbuğ shared his thoughts on technology and human relationships, stating, “People now spend time with their phones even in the mornings. The value of verbal communication has been lost; there is a serious problem regarding this.”
'WHAT WERE YOU DOING WHILE FETHULLAH GÜLEN WAS INFILTRATING THE ENTIRE COUNTRY?'
However, during the talk, an attendee named Ahmet Önder took the floor and directed harsh criticisms at Başbuğ. Önder stated, “You served in the military for years and became the Chief of General Staff. In the end, you handed this country over to FETÖ. And you cried when you were imprisoned in the Ergenekon case. What were you doing while Fethullah Gülen was infiltrating the entire country?”
Önder's outburst drew reactions from other attendees in the hall. Some audience members opposed Önder, saying, “You are asking the wrong person.” Hall staff subsequently escorted Ahmet Önder out.
'READ THE BOOK, THEN LET'S TALK'
Responding to Ahmet Önder's criticisms, İlker Başbuğ said, “I respect your opinions. But first, read my book titled 'Ergenekon'dan Çıkış' (Exit from Ergenekon), and then let's talk.” Başbuğ then continued his speech and proceeded with the event.
ERGENEKON CASE
İlker Başbuğ was sentenced to life imprisonment on August 5, 2013, in the Ergenekon case on charges of “attempting a coup” and “managing a terrorist organization.” Having spent 26 months in prison, Başbuğ was released on March 6, 2014, after the Constitutional Court ruled that his right to personal liberty and security had been violated. In 2019, the Constitutional Court dismissed the case against Başbuğ due to the “non-fulfillment of the condition for prosecution.”
News Source: 12punto
