In order to better clarify its case, the paper added the following sentence with a red background: "HSYK [The Supreme Board of Prosecutors and Judges] makes interesting appointment."
In connection with the same appointment, the Akşam newspaper yesterday ran the headline, "Three special prosecutors for Ergenekon." The paper gave further detailed information about the prosecutors and about Rasim Işıkaltın, one of the three prosecutors appointed; the paper says, "He has launched an case against Erdoğan and he is a senior of Öz." It refers to Zekeriya Öz, who is conducting the Ergenekon investigation.
Wednesday's issue of Zaman deserved to be archived. One day you may be asked, "How was the Ergenekon investigation covered up by the judiciary?" or, "How did the judiciary try to cover it up?" At that point you can take this issue from the archives and show it to your friends. Historians will surely make more permanent and more effective assessments about these attempts. Indeed, Zaman's headline implied that these appointments were confusing to many. Now, think about this: two week ago, the Aydınlık journal, affiliated with Doğu Perinçek and his Workers' Party (İP), called, in a commanding tone, on the HSYK to "appoint real prosecutors to the investigation." Will the HSYK surrender to this call -- or command? I don't think so.
Yet, the appointments they made are considerably thought provoking.
If only the suggestions about the future of the Ergenekon investigation had been voiced solely by the arrogant line of reasoning of an extremist journal with a tiny following. If only. These appointments were perceived by the general public as a push by the groups who seek to undermine the Ergenekon investigation. The general impression is that the "Appoint 40 Prosecutors" campaign, first voiced by Sabih Kanadoğlu and later fervently supported by the president of the Judges and Prosecutors Association (YARSAV), has finally been put into action. Yesterday, the Young Civilians were protesting, saying: "40 prosecutors are insufficient. Appoint 367 prosecutors." Aren't these young people right? What are the groups who are obsessed with numbers afraid of?
As the investigation delves further into the heart of the matter, two interesting developments are occurring simultaneously: (1) Every day, the information and documents obtained become more concrete. The arms found buried in the ground point to horrible truths. The members of the network who do not know what to do out of fear are leaving their weapons and ammunition in the street or in parks. (2) As concrete evidence is found about the network, certain media organizations and judicial officials are becoming more uneasy about the course of the investigation; however, they still have tricks up their sleeves.
This is the public perception: "Whenever a critical trial is opened, the HSYK takes controversial decisions and then certain groups step in and justice is blocked. It seems as if some people are being protected and the shady connections are covered up with strategic appointments." This was what happened in the Şemdinli case. First, a young prosecutor was relieved of office, and then appointments were made. The judge who was hearing the Susurluk trial had been replaced with another (who is currently acting as a lawyer for the Ergenekon suspects) and trivial sentences were given to the defendants. Zaman published a news story which said that the deputy president of YARSAV would hear the closure case of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party). On the same day, the chief prosecutor released a written statement and expressed his regret about the story being reported. However, it was not Zaman, but the Anka news agency which first reported it. Moreover, he had no reasonable answer to the criticism of "make more careful appointments instead of being offended by the news."
Either YARSAV should not express their opinions about the trials which its members hear, or the members of this weird organization should not be appointed to such critical cases. Doesn't the legal system of this country contain prohibitions on the prior disclosure of opinion for its judicial officials?
To our relief, İstanbul Deputy Chief Prosecutor Turan Çolakkadı has explained that the appointments are not related to the Ergenekon investigation. This is the belief of the groups close to the Justice Ministry. Yet, there are still lingering doubts: "These appointments come as part of a gradual plan. First, they will say that the appointments are for other duties. Then, they will start to interfere with the investigation." However, our eyes will not turn to İstanbul Chief Prosecutor Aykut Cengiz Engin and his deputy, Çolakkadı. Let us see whether the operational plot devised by the Aydınlık journal, Kanadoğlu, the CHP and other blocs will be successful. Will they be able to sabotage this trial?
