Lawyer of Ergenekon suspect demands testimony of former army chief

In a petition he submitted to the İstanbul 13th High Criminal Court on Monday, Hasan Gürbüz demanded that Özkök testify as a witness as part of the Ergenekon probe. Gürbüz is the lawyer of Col. Mustafa Koç, who is currently in jail for suspected ties with Ergenekon. Dozens of members of the clandestine organization have so far been arrested for plotting to overthrow the government.

The lawyer recalled in his petition that his client is accused of working within the Republican Work Group (CÇG) to influence the political and social atmosphere in Turkey. Gürbüz demanded that retired army generals Şener Eruygur, Levent Ersöz and Hasan Atilla Uğur testify about the group. He also requested that former army chief Gen. Özkök also testify as part of the Ergenekon probe.

Özkök testified as a witness in the Ergenekon investigation earlier this year. 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 an opportunity for such a proposition.