26/02/2010 12:51
The accused in Turkish revolution are set free
The three most senior detainees — retired air force commander Ibrahim Firtina, former navy chief Ozden Ornek, and former deputy chief of general staff, Ergin Saygun — were released on Thursday evening, Press TV says.
The detention on Monday of 50 senior officers accused of conspiring to topple Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's government in 2003 has rattled the Turkish currency and stocks, fuelled talks of an early election and increased tension between the ruling Justice and Development Party and the military.
"The public must be assured that matters will be handled in line with the law and everyone should act responsibly not to damage institutions," the statement said after a rare, three-way meeting between Erdogan, Basbug and President Abdullah Gul, “News Times” says.