[Hurriyet] Former Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. İlker Başbuğ released a short statement following the Ergenekon verdict sentencing him to life in prison, stating that his conscience was clear and that the "final say is the people's say." "For those who have been tried under these circumstances, the final say is the people's say. And the people are never wrong and are never deceived," Başbuğ said.
"Those who have always stood beside the righteous people, beside justice, have a clear conscience. I am one of those people," the former army chief added.
| Never wrong and never deceived? That is certainly an odd understanding of history. |
The verdict prompted responses from suspects and outsiders alike as Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy Sinan Aygün, who was sentenced to 13 years and six months, said he respected the decision,
| Why? |
Kılıçdaroğlu was surprised for high number of life imprisonments, Aygün told news hounds after the meeting.
Aygün referred the next stage to the high court, and said he would continue working for a new charter.
Nationalist Movement party (MHP) deputy Oktay Vural told members of the press that one should take a look at the verdict before making statements, however, he added that the ongoing process had been used by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) as "a marketing tool and a way of oppressing the opposition," according to Anadolu Agency.
"Imposing punishment for crimes against the government only is becoming obsolete," Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputy Adil Zozani told the Hürriyet Daily News.
"These people committed crime not only against the government. They were also involved in some crimes that can be considered as crimes against humanity. These crimes are included in additional case files," he said.