Some argue that allegations about Ergenekon are unfounded and imaginary, meaning the detention of dozens, including retired generals, are unfair, noting that there does not exist even an indictment to let the public know exactly what the detainees are being accused of. Others term the detentions a turning point in Turkish history, with the perpetrators or plotters of a coup facing judicial prosecution for the first time, something that will eliminate a great obstacle before the development of Turkish democracy. Critics of the Ergenekon operation also claim that the AK Party, which faces a closure case, wants to muzzle its opponents with this operation. It is definitely the conclusion of the judicial process that will reveal which side is correct in its claims.Bugün's Mehmet Metiner emphasizes the significance of acting with common sense in his comments on the latest detentions, saying some forming hasty judgments now may wind up in a difficult situation later as facts unravel. "Turkey is passing through a really difficult and troublesome period. We need to be calmer and act more responsibly than ever. Certainly, we should speak up for democracy. Certainly, we should take a principled stance against coup enthusiasts; however while doing this, we should never abandon judicial ground," warns Metiner. He notes with interest something in the arguments of those who accuse the Ergenekon investigation of being politically motivated, recalling how the same people termed the AK Party closure case a judicial case, dismissing allegations that it was launched for political reasons. "The lack of a principled stance is really troublesome," complains Metiner.
Milliyet's Hasan Cemal also finds it a bit contradictory for some circles who never previously paid heed to issues such as democracy, human rights and principles of law to begin to embrace these values now in the wake of the Ergenekon detentions. "Certainly, all should demonstrate responsibility. No matter who is taken into police custody or put in jail, they should be protected under the umbrella of law and human rights. There can be no exception to this," acknowledges Cemal. However he regrets to say that there have been many cases in Turkey in which a double standard has been applied and that such values have been ignored when the victims change. "Ergenekon is not a random case. Those who oppose this operation should remember the foiled coup attempts in 2004," says Cemal.
Sabah's Mahmut Övür says the course of the Ergenekon case will become clearer depending on whether its indictment is based on solid evidence. "We are faced with critical a tug-of-war over this case, which one side sees very clearly while the other side insists on not seeing. Hence all eyes are on the Ergenekon case, which will be launched in the coming days. The concrete evidence presented in the course of the case, will cause all the discussions to take on a new dimension," he suggests.
