Is it right to punish the commanders for holding an umbrella against Bülent Ersoy in Anıtkabir? Retired soldiers replied
Turkish classical music artist Bülent Ersoy's recent visit to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's mausoleum in Ankara brought along a polemic.
Ersoy, who came to Anıtkabir in a wheelchair with his assistant due to the operation he had undergone, caused reactions when an officer wearing a sailor's uniform was holding an umbrella to avoid getting wet from the rain.
Following the criticism, it was announced that an investigation was initiated by the Ministry of National Defense (MSB).
In the statement made by the Ministry on Friday, January 14, 2022, the following statements were made:
"Anıtkabir Commander and the Team Commander who took part in the images were dismissed immediately by our Ministry regarding the images in the media and taken in Anıtkabir."
According to a claim in some media, the Commander of Anıtkabir, Colonel Osman Sert, was not only dismissed, but also appointed to Hakkari Yüksekova.
However, the decision to dismiss this image, as well as the image in question, was the subject of discussion on social media.
While some found the decision right, others found it too harsh. Ersoy, on the other hand, stated that he did not want to be held an umbrella and expressed his regret about the dismissal of the soldiers.
Retired judge Şen: It is against the law as it stands
So, how do the soldiers and those who are knowledgeable about military law evaluate this decision?
Retired military judge Salim Şen, who is among the names we consulted regarding the issue, stated that the act could not be considered a crime, but could only be seen as an indiscipline and incompetence.
Şen stated that it would be a punishment if he was sent to Yüksekova as alleged. "The action taken is a heavy sanction. It is unlawful as it is. a bit heavy with justification," he said.
"Aid to an old lady does not damage the honor and dignity of the uniform"
Murat Altay, a former non-commissioned officer, who deals mainly with military cases today, reminded that it is stated in the 34th article of the Internal Service Law No. 211 of the TAF that "Every soldier is obliged to protect the honor and dignity of his uniform," and said, "At this point, holding an umbrella is an honor and dignity. "I don't think that helping an old lady harm the honor and dignity of the uniform. In our opinion, the decision taken is not legal," he said.
"The movement is wrong in form, the decision of the MSB is correct"
Retired Staff Colonel Aziz Ergen is among those who support the decision.
Noting that the movement reflected in the image is wrong in form, Ergen reminded that an investigation was initiated by drawing attention to the reactions that occurred after the publication of the image, and said, "The opening of the investigation is at the discretion of the Ministry of National Defense. If a sanction was imposed by the command of the command, I think the decision of the Ministry of National Defense is correct."
"The decision to dismiss is tough"
Retired Colonel Mithat Işık, Chairman of the Combat Veterans Association, is among those who think the decision is harsh.
"As far as I can see, there is a short-term help to Ersoy," said Işık, adding, "It is necessary to accept the help of a TAF member as normal, provided that it is not long-term. There is no such thing as meeting at the door and holding an umbrella for minutes."
"If it was an unknown old woman, not Ersoy, it wouldn't be a problem"
Noting that there were civil servants in Anıtkabir as well, Işık concluded his words as follows:
"The decision to dismiss is tough"
Retired Colonel Mithat Işık, Chairman of the Combat Veterans Association, is among those who think the decision is harsh.
"As far as I can see, there is a short-term help to Ersoy," said Işık, adding, "It is necessary to accept the help of a TAF member as normal, provided that it is not long-term. There is no such thing as meeting at the door and holding an umbrella for minutes."
"If it was an unknown old woman, not Ersoy, it wouldn't be a problem"
Noting that there were civil servants in Anıtkabir as well, Işık concluded his words as follows:
"I wish they had held the umbrella, but it seems like a situation that develops in a moment of distraction. If the person there was an unknown old woman, not Bülent Ersoy, it would not be such a problem and even praised. In addition, if he was assigned to Yüksekova, it seems like a place of exile. wrong. After all, a division is stationed there."