Investigation Concludes on Pirate Feeding Lieutenants
The investigation into the lieutenants who recited a pirate oath and drew their swords at the graduation ceremony at the Turkish Military Academy has come to an end. It has been revealed that the lieutenants who acted in an organized manner, as well as other personnel who were involved in the incident either intentionally, negligently, or with responsibility, will be referred to the High Discipline Board for disciplinary action.
During the graduation ceremony held on August 30 at the Turkish Military Academy with the attendance of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a group of lieutenants recited a pirate text related to the 28th February process. Following the failed coup attempt on July 15, approximately 350 out of the 960 graduating lieutenants drew their swords and recited a pirate oath that included phrases like “we will be ready to face our enemies” and “our swords will be sharp and ready,” which alluded to military coup statements.
Discipline and Dismissal
The first concrete development regarding the pirate oath scandal that the Ministry of National Defense initiated an investigation into has surfaced. It has been reported that the lieutenants who provided statements during the investigation will be referred to the High Discipline Board with a recommendation for dismissal.
Lieutenant Ebru Eroğlu, who led the recitation of the pirate oath, has also been referred to the High Discipline Board with a definitive recommendation for dismissal. The incident of the pirate oath being recited in an alternative ceremony despite the warnings of superiors has been deemed a serious act of indiscipline.
According to sources from the Ministry, the investigation was meticulously conducted within the framework of discipline. Lieutenants who acted in an organized manner, as well as other personnel who were involved in the incident either intentionally, negligently, or with responsibility, have been referred to the High Discipline Board within the scope of disciplinary regulations.
It was emphasized that the nature of the lieutenants’ offense was not saying “we are soldiers of Mustafa Kemal,” but rather engaging in indiscipline by organizing an alternative oath ceremony despite the warnings of superiors and even inviting the press. The pirate oath incident, which undermined the pride of the Turkish Armed Forces in having the first female top three graduates from military academies worldwide, has tarnished the reputation of the military.
It is expected that a decision to dismiss the lieutenants who persistently recited the pirate oath against the orders of their superiors will be made.
Company Commander Steps Down
During the pirate oath incident, the Company Commander Major M. resigned from the Turkish Armed Forces. It was revealed that the Company Commander did not participate in the ceremony on August 30 in accordance with traditions.
President Erdoğan’s Strong Reaction
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed strong disapproval for the lieutenants who recited the banned oath and drew their swords during the graduation ceremony. He stated, “Who are you pointing those swords at? All necessary investigations are being conducted. A few ill-mannered individuals will be dealt with accordingly.”
