Gen Başbuğ, Gen Tolon in the same prison ward

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

Former chief of General Staff İlker Başbuğ is under arrest since Jan 6. REUTERS Photo

Authorities have transferred former Gen. Hurşit Tolon to the same prison ward occupied by former Turkish Chief of Staff Gen. İlker Başbuğ, who remains under arrest pending trial in the ongoing Internet Memorandum case.

Başbuğ had been staying at a triple ward all by himself at Istanbul’s Silivri Prison Complex, while retired Gen. Tolon, a suspect arrested pending trial in the second Ergenekon suit, moved into Başbuğ’s ward on the evening on Feb. 6, according to reports.

Accusations

Başbuğ was arrested by order of the court Jan. 6 on charges of “attempting to overthrow the government by force” and “leading a criminal organization,” for which the prosecutor requested aggravated life imprisonment.

Tolon was also placed under arrest on July 2008 on charges of “leading a terrorist organization” and “attempting a coup” but was later released pending trial in February 2009 due to his ailing health.
The court, however, reordered Tolon’s arrest on Jan. 11.

The Internet Memorandum case refers to a document allegedly crafted by the Turkish General Staff calling for the establishment of 42 internet sites to distribute propaganda against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

İlker Başbuğ stands accused of signing the document that ordered the setting up of the sites in question.