MİT denies CHP leader’s speculation over attack

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

Officials from the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) yesterday ruled out speculation raised by main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu over bureaucratic reappointments in the southern province of Gaziantep that took place before the recent terror attack there.

One other person who was injured in the attack in Gaziantep died yesterday, thus increasing the total number of deaths to 10.

Claims

Speaking in a televised interview on Monday, Kılıçdaroğlu referred to the bombing by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) that killed civilians, including children, in Gaziantep, on the second day of the Şeker Bayramı holiday on Aug. 22. “A short while before this incident, two senior bureaucrats were appointed [to other places]. Why, let’s ask. Where did the region’s MİT official go?” Kılıçdaroğlu said at the time. Sources from MİT anonymously told Anatolia news agency yesterday that the MİT’s Gaziantep unity superior’s position change was a routine practice, contrary to what Kılıçdaroğlu implied.

There is no relation between the superior’s appointment and the terrorist attack in Gaziantep, they said.
As usual and in line with the personel policy of the body, the designation of new duty places and promotions were finalized in June 2012. The decisions concerning the personnel appointed to places other than their current location were also made in June, they added.

In his remarks on CNN-Türk, Kılıçdaroğlu had referred to claims by ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Gaziantep Deputy Şamil Tayyar.