For over 10 years, outgoing military chiefs were honored with a state medal, but this was not the case for Başbuğ. The State Medal of Honor is considered the most prestigious medal in Turkey. It is bestowed upon a candidate by the Cabinet’s decision, and after the approval of the president.
There were earlier media reports that Başbuğ would be given the medal because it has become a state tradition. But contrary to expectations, the ex-military chief was denied the medal. As for the reason for denial, most pointed to Başbuğ’s past attempts to unduly intervene in ongoing criminal investigations and trials against members of the military and his challenging the government during the Supreme Military Council (YAŞ) meeting in early August for the promotion of high-ranking military officers who stand accused of coup attempts.
In the meantime, the Vatan daily reported on Sunday that İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Aykut Cengiz Engin thwarted an attempt by Zekeriya Öz, the chief prosecutor in the Ergenekon investigation, to summon Başbuğ to testify as part of a probe into several websites set up by the General Staff to back an alleged propaganda campaign against civilian groups, the Vatan daily reported on Sunday.
According to the report, Öz attempted to summon the ex-military chief on Friday. However, Engin intervened and said the authority to summon Başbuğ to testify falls on a chief public prosecutor or his deputy.
The probe concerns 42 websites set up to back the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TSK) psychological warfare against civilian groups it termed “reactionary,” “separatist,” “pro-ruling party” and “anti-TSK.” The armed forces also monitored the activities of more than 400 Turkish and foreign-language websites.
Several retired and active duty military officers, including higher-ranking officers, have testified as part of the probe thus far.
