An Erzurum prosecutor summoned the general to testify last week. It was the second time Gen. Berk had been ordered to give testimony as a “suspect” in the probe. The general is required to go to the Erzurum courthouse today at the latest. If he fails to comply, an arrest warrant will be issued, and he will be taken to the courthouse by police.
The probe against the general is part of the investigation into Ergenekon, a criminal clandestine organization accused of working to overthrow the government. Gen. Berk is accused of putting into operation a military plot titled the Action Plan to Fight Reactionaryism. The plot, drafted by a colonel on active duty, was intended to undermine the power of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), eventually leading to a military coup.
According to the plot, religious communities would be presented to the public as “terrorist organizations” through subversive plans. Members of the military were to plant weapons and ammunition at the homes of followers of certain religious communities. Police raids at these houses would result in the arrest of those individuals. The public would then start believing that religious communities had “terrorist intentions,” according to the plot.
The prosecutor who summoned the general for testimony was stripped of his powers last week by the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK). The HSYK resulted in uncertainty about the future of the probe into Gen. Berk. Ergenekon prosecutors, however, announced that they would interrogate the general themselves if necessary.
News reports alleged that Gen. Berk was expecting a health report from the Gülhane Military Academy of Medicine (GATA) in an attempt to avoid testimony and probable arrest. The health report is reportedly almost ready.
