Appeals court: Judges must pay Haberal compensation

Haberal was arrested last year as part of an investigation into a clandestine terrorist group known as Ergenekon, which is charged with plotting to overthrow the government. The rector is currently hospitalized at the İstanbul University Cardiology Institute due to cardiac complaints.

Haberal’s lawyers have filed many appeals at various high criminal courts to have the “arrestee status” for their client dropped due to his health problems. The appeals were, however, rejected by the related courts.

In response, the lawyers filed a criminal complaint against the judges at the 4th Chamber of the Supreme Court of Appeals. The chamber decided to punish the judges, ruling for them to pay the rector compensation for damages. The nine judges were ordered to each pay TL 1,500 to Haberal.

The chamber justified its decision by saying the judges treated Haberal unfairly. Some other Ergenekon suspects, including high-ranking military officers, were previously released from prison for health reasons. Among them are retired Gen. Şener Eruygur and retired Gen. Hurşit Tolon. The judges have the right to appeal the decision.