Cicek: No hurry about ECHR ruling

Minister of Justice Cemil Çiçek said that there is “no hurry” about the European Court of Human Rights' (ECHR) ruling on Abdullah Öcalan’s retrial. Talking to a group of journalists in İstanbul’s Bilgi University, Çiçek explained that the ruling is not one-dimensional and that there are many factors involved from politics to law. He also pointed out that there is still work-in-progress regarding the ruling.“Nothing is set in stone – there is absolutely nothing to speculate about,” said Çiçek. Çiçek also warned against the possible exploitation of the issue for political purposes. “Perhaps this could bring political gain to those who seek it," Çiçek said, “but Turkey will no doubt get over it.” Hidden money flow out in the open Regarding the corruption case of retired vice admiral Ilhami Erdil, who commanded the Turkish Navy from 1999 to 2002, Hürriyet can now reveal documents which prove the money-flow between the joint bank account of Şirin Melek Özden and Deniz Erdil (Ilhami Erdil's daughter) into Özden’s 'Heker company'. The Heker Company won a public tender for a military contract after being tipped-off by the retired vice admiral, İlhami Erdil. Erdil is now being tried at the General Staff Military Court on grounds of corruption. The indictment by the military prosecutor also states that Şirin Melek Özden was tried three years ago for possession of drugs while her husband Aslan Özden was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for drug smuggling. Özden can face up to three years of imprisonment should she be found guilty. In the meantime, retired vice admiral Erdil’s daughter – Deniz Erdil – is accused of being a secret partner to Özden’s company. Erdil denied the partnership in a hearing but now official documents state otherwise. According to the indictment, three paint tenders were given to Özden’s Heker company with İlhami Erdil’s recommendation. Transaction records Hürriyet got hold of now prove that a money flow of 5,950 YTL between Erdil and Özden’s joint bank account into Heker company’s account took place in January 2000. İlhami Erdil’s wife Füsun Erdil, his daughter Deniz Erdil, his captain, retired Yalçın Kayatunç are also being tried at the court – they could all face up to three years of imprisonment. Erdil is accused of misconduct in the office and unjust gain. If found guilty, he could face up to 18 years of imprisonment.�