The defense made a new statement after the incident! Lieutenant Ebru Eroğlu, who made the oath with a sword, did not back down.

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During the official graduation ceremony of the Army Academy, after the sword oath, the lieutenants who were referred to the High Discipline Board (YDK) with the penalty of "separation from the Turkish Armed Forces" made their defense today.

"WHATEVER THE RESULT MAY BE"

Lieutenant Ebru Eroğlu, who administered the oath during the ceremony that is the subject of the investigation at the Army Academy, used striking expressions in her statement after the defenses.

Eroğlu stated, "Today, whatever the result may be, they will not be able to take the Army Academy badge from our and your chests. We have been Atatürk's friends first in the ranks and then in arms. We will undoubtedly act in this manner for the rest of our lives," she said.

LIEUTENANTS MADE THEIR DEFENSES

During the official graduation ceremony of the Army Academy, in the disciplinary investigation initiated after the sword oath, the lieutenants and their lawyers, who were referred to the High Discipline Board (YDK) with the penalty of "separation from the Turkish Armed Forces," arrived at the Land Forces Command at 13:35. The lieutenants and their lawyers supported their verbal defenses with photographs and videos. For this purpose, projectors that allowed the committee to watch photographs and videos were placed in the hall where the defenses would be taken. The lawyers delivered the visuals to the hall before the committee's meeting time.

DECISIONS OF THE BOARDS WILL BE ANNOUNCED WITHIN 10 WORKING DAYS

As a result of the examinations and evaluations conducted in the high discipline boards, one of the decisions is made regarding the personnel whose situation is discussed: either "penalty of separation from the Armed Forces" or "there is no basis for imposing a penalty of separation from the Armed Forces." It was stated that the decisions of the boards would be prepared with justification and communicated within 10 working days. Sources from the Ministry of National Defense reported that the reasoned decision would be shared with the public after its preparation and approval. Administrative judicial remedies can be sought against the "separation from the Armed Forces" penalties imposed by the high discipline boards.

WHAT HAD HAPPENED?

After the official graduation ceremony of the Army Academy on August 30, 2024, a disciplinary investigation was initiated after the lieutenants shouted the slogan "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal" while crossing swords. Five lieutenants were referred to the High Discipline Board with the request for the penalty of "separation from the Turkish Armed Forces." An investigation was also initiated against the battalion and company commanders during the ceremony.