Turkey sentences 21 people to jail including ex-military chief over ‘postmodern coup’ of 1997

A Turkish court on Friday sentenced 21 people – including former top military officers – to life in prison over the forced removal of an Islamic-oriented government in 1997.

Another 68 defendants were acquitted in the trial against scores of people who were accused of taking part in the campaign that was led by Turkey’s pro-secular military and forced the resignation of the prime minister of the time, Necmettin Erbakan.

The ouster was later dubbed Turkey’s “postmodern coup” because unlike previous coups in the country, no tanks or soldiers were used to bring down the government, which was replaced by another coalition nominated by the president.

Those convicted of charges of “overthrowing the government by force” include former General Ismail Hakki Karadayi, who was chief of military staff between 1994 and 1998, as well as his deputy, General Cevik Bir.

At the time, the army was concerned by Erbakan’s efforts to raise the profile of Islam in the predominantly Muslim but secular country. On February 28, 1997, the military-dominated National Security Council threatened action if Erbakan did not back down. He resigned four months later.