Footage of newly graduated lieutenants from the Military Academy chanting "We are Mustafa Kemal's soldiers" has become a hot topic. Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel came to the defense of the lieutenants, who were targeted by certain groups. Özgür Özel responded harshly to these criticisms and stood by the lieutenants.
'OF COURSE THEY ARE MUSTAFA KEMAL'S SOLDIERS'
In his speech at the CHP Ankara Provincial Advisory Board Meeting, Özgür Özel said, "Your opinion leader, the 'madman with the fez' Kadir, used to say 'I wish the Greeks had won'; were these children supposed to be like you and say 'We are all Trikoupis' soldiers'? Of course they are Mustafa Kemal's soldiers."
SOME ARE BOTHERED BY THIS
Stating that the text recited by the lieutenants was used in official ceremonies until 2016, Özel said, "Some were bothered by this text. Afterwards, the lieutenants said 'We are Mustafa Kemal's soldiers.' Some were bothered by this too. What were they supposed to say? Of course they are Mustafa Kemal's soldiers."
In his speech, Özgür Özel responded to the criticisms by saying, "If there is a lieutenant who does not say 'We are Mustafa Kemal's soldiers,' that is where the security threat lies. If we are graduating a lieutenant who would object to saying 'I am Mustafa Kemal's soldier,' that is the picture of our downfall."
'HISTORY WILL NOT FORGIVE'
Özgür Özel reacted to the criticisms directed at the lieutenants, saying, "History will not forgive those who are in contradiction with any word of this oath. And we will not forgive them either."
Touching upon the lieutenants' loyalty to Atatürk, Özel stated, "If these children don't say it to the Commander-in-Chief who risked his life at Anafartalar, Dumlupınar, and the Battle of the Commander-in-Chief to save this country, to have the call to prayer recited again, and to have the flag raised again, then who are they supposed to say it to?"
News Source: 12punto
