Özkök, who testified as a witness in the Ergenekon investigation earlier this year, answering prosecutors' questions about coups allegedly plotted by a number of generals between the years 2003 and 2004, when he was still in office, also responded to criticism that he did not do enough to stop coup plotters. In his testimony, Özkök said he was aware that some of his generals were preparing to commit illegal and antidemocratic activities, although he had never been asked to be part of such plans as he would never permit or create the opportunity for such a proposition.
However, his testimony was met with criticism from some segments of society, questioning why he was silent at the time despite being aware of the accused generals' plans. In an interview with the Sabah daily published on Sunday, Özkök said: “It is very easy to diagnose the past after everything has come to light! It is very difficult to make decisions though when you are living in that time, without knowing what the future holds. When making such comments, you should look at my position in those days. … Just think about the conditions of the day for a second and compare them with those of today. Ask yourself whether there was the slightest possibility [for me to make a move]?”
Özkök said he testified in the case as a witness because he believed in the case and had full confidence in the prosecution. “If I didn't believe or trust [them], I wouldn't have testified as a witness,” he said. He said he had no doubt that Ergenekon prosecutors would dutifully fulfill the responsibility they have shouldered.
