Sergeants Ali Kaya and Ozcan Ildeniz and Veysel Ates are being accused for the bombing of a bookshop in the eastern town of Semdinli in November 2005.

Justice Ministry is investigating Prosecutor Sarikaya

Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry has launched an investigation on Prosecutor Ferhat Sarikaya, who, in the indictment, also accuses Land Forces General Yasar Buyukanit.

The Justice Ministry's inspection board has appointed two inspectors, with the orders of Justice Minister Cemil Cicek.

"I have authorized the inspectors to inspect the prosecutor," said Cicek. "Statements except this are speculations."

General Staff: We have not received any warnings or complaints

The General Staff on March 8, announced that they had not yet received any warnings or complaints by the Van Republican Prosecutor's Office.

The General Staff said the following on the trial of generals and admirals:

* Generals and admirals can only be investigated by the General Staff Military Prosecutors, and with the orders and permission of the Head of the General Staff.

* It is a general legal principle that all defendants are innocent until the investigation and trial has been completed.

* Republican Prosecutors send the possible accusations about generals and admirals to the General Staff, taking into account their seriousness.

* The General Staff has its legal consultants look into the allegations and decides whether an official investigation is necessary. Following the official investigation, the military prosecutor either opens a legal case, or decides there is no need for prosecution."

According to a report in daily Milliyet, Prosecutor Sarikaya said: "I have done my job as a prosecutor. I could not behave in any other manner." (TK/KO/EA/YE)