General Staff Reacts to Alleged Illegal Relations

The General Staff accuses media of disseminating false information regarding its members' relations to illegal organizations allegedly revealed in Ergenekon case.

Based on Ergenekon suspect İbrahim Sahin's testimony to prosecutors, Radikal daily attested that Sahin had been involved with high-ranking military officers.

According to two articles published on February 11 and 12th, Fatma Cengiz –also an Ergenekon suspect and alleged officer at Kayseri Air Base, acts as the contact person between Sahin and army officers.

On another account, Sahin alleges that Chief of General Staff General İlker Basbug and Communications Department Head General Metin Gurak ordered him to assemble an under-cover unit made up of police officers and soldiers.

He also suggested meeting Gurak in person on several occasions. Sahin is an ex-special forces dirtector, who had been condemned in court for illegal counter terrorism activities.

The General Staff denied any connection to Sahin and said no officer in the name of Fatma Cengiz worked in the armed forces.

It stressed that preliminary investigations are classified and revealing such information is criminalized by law.

"Such publications by the media unjustly harm state establishments and personnel. Those allegations are beyond common logic. It's unthinkable to suggest that a general commanding 700 thousand troops would ask for an illegal organization."(AGÜ)