24.01.2026 18:31
The Ankara 21st Administrative Court unanimously annulled the decision regarding Deniz Demirtaş, one of the 5 lieutenants expelled from the Turkish Armed Forces as part of the investigation into the lieutenants who swore an oath by crossing swords at the graduation ceremony of the Military Academy. The court also annulled the disciplinary penalty imposed on Lieutenant Fatih Kaya for 'disobedience to orders' on the grounds that it was not in accordance with the law.
After the official graduation ceremony of the Army Academy on August 30, 2024, some lieutenants swore an oath by crossing swords in the ceremony area, and following the public release of the images, the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) initiated a disciplinary investigation regarding the matter.
The High Disciplinary Board decided to separate 5 lieutenants from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) on the grounds that the action in question "damaged the discipline and reputation of the Turkish Armed Forces," thus terminating their relationships. The Board also imposed a disciplinary penalty on Lieutenant Fatih Kaya. While the decision sparked discussions in the public, the lieutenants resorted to legal action.
THE DISMISSAL DECISION AGAINST LIEUTENANT DEMİRTAŞ HAS BEEN CANCELED The Ankara 21st Administrative Court made its decision in the case filed by Deniz Demirtaş, one of the 5 lieutenants dismissed from the TSK. The court unanimously canceled the "separation penalty from the armed forces" imposed on Lieutenant Demirtaş. In the decision referencing Article 125 of the Constitution, it was also stated that all financial rights that Demirtaş was deprived of due to the dismissal process should be compensated by the administration along with the legal interest accruing from the date of entitlement.
Deniz Demirtaş ANOTHER LIEUTENANT'S PENALTY HAS BEEN OVERTURNED BY THE COURT On the other hand, the court also announced its decision in the case filed by Lieutenant Fatih Kaya against the disciplinary penalty imposed on him. The court canceled the disciplinary penalty given for "disobedience to orders" on the grounds that it was not in accordance with the law. The defendant Ministry of National Defense may appeal the decision.
THE CASES OF OTHER LIEUTENANTS ARE CONTINUING Meanwhile, the counter lawsuits filed by other lieutenants Ebru Eroğlu, İzzet Talip Akarsu, Batuhan Gazi Kılıç, and Serhat Gündar, who were also subject to dismissal decisions, are ongoing.