Military mobilizes universities for junta activities

A file that was attached to a letter -- sent in by an unknown military officer who participated in the destruction of the data on a computer belonging to Col. Dursun Çiçek -- details that members of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) demanded that the judiciary and universities be mobilized to support the junta’s activities. The document attached to the letter suggests that university executives and judicial organs that act in harmony with the TSK’s views should be contacted during occasions such as dinners, ceremonies, local and national celebrations, receptions and official and unofficial visits and that these people should be informed of the TSK’s views.

“Foundations, associations or universities which qualify for the task should be encouraged to organize seminars or symposiums on topics such as ‘moderate Islam,’ ‘the TSK’s place in society’ or ‘the Constitution and the military judiciary’ and any similar activities should be supported,” it says.

The document further points out that the seminars, conferences and symposiums held by state and private universities such as Başkent University, Ankara University, Gazi University and Bilkent University and foundations and associations such as the 21st Century Foundation, Foundation 2000, the Atatürkist Thought Association (ADD), the Eurasian Center for Strategic Studies (ASAM) and the Uğur Mumcu Association should be followed up and the organizers of such events should be contacted to ensure sufficient participation in these events.

It goes on to suggest that the organizations that hold these events should be provided with indirect and covert funding so they can publicize these events much more aggressively.

It further named the Retired Officers of ‘68 Association and the ADD as organizations which could be used as medium for such money transfers. “If needed, the associations, foundations and universities asked to organize such events will have some of the costs of these events covered. A seminar that costs between TL 100,000 and TL 200,000 which could have a significant impact on public opinion may be provided with financial aid of between TL 50,000 and TL 80,000,” it says.

TSK takes sides in the constitution drafting process

The document further says: “In order to ensure that the TSK’s priorities are reflected in the drafting of the new constitution and that national values, the Atatürkist thought system and the republic’s achievements are preserved, participation in academic conferences held by judicial organs, universities and influential civil society organizations will be arranged so that the TSK’s views are known by the general public and the people and organizations that are influential in the administration of the country.” It also urges members of the TSK to establish contact with university officials and other important people whenever possible. “Maintaining contact with universities, civil society organizations, celebrities and journalists that are capable of influencing the general public [is vital]. Said people and organizations will be contacted in connection with activities such as Victory Week, seminars and military exercises. This contact with those that nurture the same views as the TSK will be maintained at all times,” it says.