"Instructions from President Erdoğan for Lieutenants"

After the graduation ceremony of the Military Academy, discussions continue regarding the referral of 5 lieutenants, including the top graduate Ebru Eroğlu, who chanted the slogan "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal," to the High Disciplinary Board with a request for their expulsion from the army.

MSB SAYS 'DISCIPLINE'

In a statement made recently regarding the referral of the lieutenants to the High Disciplinary Board, the Ministry of National Defense stated that the reason for the investigation was not the slogan "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal," but that the lieutenants broke the chain of command by swearing with swords despite being rejected 7 times before the ceremony.

ALLEGATION OF INSTRUCTION FROM ERDOĞAN

The recent hot development regarding the lieutenants who are requested to be expelled from the army was the claims mentioned in the column of Abdulkadir Selvi, a writer known for his closeness to the government.

Selvi reported a conversation that took place during a meeting attended by President Erdoğan and Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler. According to Selvi's article, after Minister Güler's words, "We cannot compromise on discipline in the Turkish Armed Forces," Erdoğan stated, "We cannot tolerate such formations in the Turkish Armed Forces. However, during this period, three girls became the top graduates. We experienced this pride. I attended the ceremonies and personally handed them their plaques. I chatted with them. I said these girls reflect Anatolia. But before we could fully enjoy this joy, the swearing incident emerged."

Selvi also reported that after Erdoğan finished his speech, he turned to Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and instructed him, "Don't be too harsh."

COMMANDERS REMOVED FROM DUTY

Disciplinary investigations were initiated against the Deputy Battalion Commander, Company Commander, and Platoon Commander who were on duty during the graduation ceremony for not taking necessary precautions before the ceremony and for not intervening during the incident.

The Battalion Commander of the Artillery School, Major S.I., was removed from duty yesterday, and the farewell message of the dismissed major drew attention.

WHAT DID ERDOĞAN SAY?

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who personally attended the graduation ceremony and handed plaques to the top graduates of the military academy, had stated in September regarding the issue, "Who are you drawing swords against? All necessary investigations are being conducted regarding these matters. A few ignorant individuals there will also be cleaned out. It is not possible for them to be in our army, no matter how many they are." It was also noteworthy that Erdoğan did not make any further statements regarding the issue.