Questions over corruption and paralysis of politics [in Turkey]

Turkish ministers, whose sons were detained as part of the corruption probe.
Turkish ministers, whose sons were detained as part of the corruption probe.


Date posted: December 26, 2013

BEGÜM BURAK

Paralysis of politics is prevailing in Turkey nowadays. Democratization efforts have been overshadowed by the corruption scandal but still power-holders seek a scapegoat to put the blame on.

Indeed, the corruption crisis, the related ongoing judicial process and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s stance towards this process have led many people to have serious concerns over justice and the latest developments have made me pose the following questions. I think that we strongly need honestly speaking and honestly thinking politicians to answer these questions for the sake of liberal democracy and universal values such as rule of law.

1. Since 2002, almost 12 years have passed; why could you not become aware of the “parallel state” structure and illegal organization(s) and why could you not eliminate them?

2. Despite being suspicious about a “plot” formulated against the government, why have you not shed light upon this plot before? Do you really think that Halkbank has been used as a tool by the plot-makers? Do not you think that without any solid evidence, the head of Halkbank could not have been put into prison?

3. Why have you begun to adopt the rhetoric of “internal and external enemies of Turkey” with the outbreak of this corruption crisis? Where have these enemies been so far?

4. Is your latest legal arrangement forcing the police and prosecutors to inform the highest administrative authority about their investigations compatible with the notion of separation of powers?

5. Why have you removed hundreds of police chiefs while such a critical corruption case is going on? Isn’t this an intervention in the judicial process? You used to see the police as heroes during Gezi protests, now you see them as “bad guys.” What made you change your opinions?

6. In shoeboxes, millions of dollars are found, but still you are emphasizing the role of external actors and their domestic collaborators as the main agents who have enmity towards “big Turkey”? Please explain what you think about these shoeboxes.

7. Why have you banned journalists from entering police stations? Why don’t you want journalists to report news in these public places? Is this policy compatible with a free and independent media which is a necessity for democracies?

8. Do you think that the US ambassador is really a provocateur, and as distinguished journalist Cüneyt Özdemir asks, do you think that the US ambassador can belong to the “Camia” (Hizmet — Service — movement) circle?

9. Could you please explain how a 29-year-old Iranian businessman can get into almost every single state building and take part in state protocol as easily as is seen in photos?

10. Why did you shut down investigative journalist Mehmet Baransu’s news website? Was there anything illegal on his website? Or do you aim to put pressure upon opposing media?

11. As is well known, in Turkey the bestselling English-language daily is Today’s Zaman. However, Turkish Airlines has put an end to the distribution of Today’s Zaman in airplanes and airports. How can you explain this development?

12. In the murder case of journalist Hrant Dink, it was stated that some policemen misused their duties but none of them were removed. However, in this current process, many removals have been witnessed. What would you say about this?

13. You claim that under the guise of corruption, a horrible trap for the government has been set. Can you prove this claim?

14. Distinguished professor Mehmet Altan treats this corruption crisis as the second Susurluk incident. What are your views about this statement?

15. In Spain, a similar corruption incident has been witnessed. However, unlike in Turkey, the prime minister there supported the legal process, and in addition did not label the corruption a trap set against their rule. What do you think about this?

16. Some figures who work as columnists and journalists condemn the Hizmet movement in this process and explicitly and implicitly put the blame on Hizmet movement, stigmatizing it as an agent side by side with external enemies to overthrow the government. Do you really agree with that? If so, please prove your accusations.

Source: Today's Zaman , December 25, 2013


Related News

Pentagon Allies Jailed in Turkey Amid Coup Backlash, General Says

A top U.S. military commander said there was a persistent concern that the failed coup in Turkey – and the backlash by the Turkish government – would impair the Pentagon’s operations in the region.

Inspector candidate labeled ‘red’ by ministry confirms profiling reports

A candidate inspector for the Ministry of Finance who learned from recent media reports that he had been profiled by the ministry on the basis of his family background has confirmed that the information disclosed by the media matches his personal information.

Hizmet-affiliated schools removed from private school incentive list

The Hizmet schools were in the original list of those institutions which met all the criteria for eligibility to receive financial incentives to accept these students. Announced on Monday, the schools were listed on the ministry’s website until Thursday afternoon, when they were taken off without any explanation. However, an official written notice sent from the ministry to governorates on Thursday said: “It was not deemed proper to give such incentives to education institutions whose managers are under fiscal investigation and interrogation within the scope of the Law No. 5549 on the Prevention of Laundering of Crime Revenues and those that had received punishments fiscal irregularities after due inspections before,” and asked the governorates do what the notice requires.

49-member team to report to President Erdoğan on Gülen-linked trials

A group of 49 people, nine experts from Turkey’s State Inspection Council and 40 key advisers of President Tayyip Erdoğan, will closely monitor trials concerning the Gülen movement and submit reports to the president.

Fortunately, we have not closed Gülen schools

Mehmet Ali Birand June 9, 2012 When I was invited to become one of the judges in the International Turkish Olympiad, I was initially surprised. I was also a bit embarrassed because I never considered myself to be an expert in Turkish songs and folk songs, but I could not turn the offer down because […]

The Muslim Martin Luther? Fethullah Gulen Attempts an Islamic Reformation

Erdogan is clearly intent on marginalizing the Gulenist movement, even at the expense of the rule of law in Turkey. Turkey would clearly be harmed if Gulenist teachings on tolerance and individual rights were successfully quieted. But the loss for Islamic culture would be an even greater tragedy.

Latest News

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

In Case You Missed It

Dr. Lilian Sison: Fethullah Gülen is a pioneer of peace

Turkish army profiled Tahşiyeciler as serving al-Qaeda

Powerful but reclusive Turkish cleric (BBC Interviews Fethullah Gulen)

Dr. Reuven Firestone Interviewed by Muslim Turkish Movement “Hizmet”

Gulen Followers Living in Europe Receive Death Threats, Feel Intimidated

Gülen’s contribution to a pluralist democracy

AK Party İstanbul head: Purge in state institutions began long before

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News