Gülenists in the National Intelligence Organization

One of the generals interned at the General Staff Headquarters during the coup attempt on July 15 is a well-known name to the public: Brig. Gen. Ertuğrulgazi Özkürkçü, the head of the Press and Public Relations Department.

Özkürkçü was captured and his hands and feet were tied by members of the Special Forces involved in the coup. He was taken to the Akıncı Air Base and was held there until next evening. It was certified with a doctor's report that he was subjected to violence. He later earned the title veteran.

Despite this, in some official state documents, Özkürkçü is mentioned as a member of the "parallel structure." In a National Intelligence Organization (MİT) report found among the documents in the office of the putschist Personnel Planning Management Department head Brig. Gen. Mehmet Partigöç, the name of Özkürkçü is on the list of personnel who are or who are believed to be members of the "parallel structure."

This information is included in a 43-page report sent to the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office on March 6. This report was prepared by a three-member military expert team headed by Brig. Gen. Nerim Bitlislioğlu who examined the documents.

The thought-provoking aspect of this document is that alongside the names of several generals and admirals who were caught red-handed on the coup night, the document also included the names of many generals and admirals who were targeted, interned or would have been excluded if the coup attempt were successful. Some of these commanders are currently occupying critical positions in the land, navy and air forces.  

Well, how come then can these officers be reported as "members of the parallel structure?"

We can seek the answer with this approach: The Turkish Armed...