Ergenekon prosecutors question Turkish colonels in civilian court

Navy Col. Dursun Cicek, suspected of drafting an alleged anti-government document, and eight other military officers have been called in for questioning by prosecutors as part of the controversial Ergenekon probe.

Launched in 2007, the Ergenekon case has led to the detentions of more than 200 on suspicion of forming an illegal organization to provoke a series of events that would pave the way to a military coup. About 140 people are already standing trial in the case, including retired generals, intellectuals, lawyers and journalists.

The controversial case, however, has divided Turkey, as many believe it has turned into a witch hunt targeting government critics.

Last week, Turkish parliament passed a controversial legislation that would amend the Code of Criminal Procedures, or CMUK, if signed by the president.

If enacted, the legislation would pave the way for civilian courts to try members of the military accused of crimes including threats to national security and constitutional violations, such as coup attempts in peace time.

The legislation sparked tension among the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, and opposition figures, including Republican People’s Party, or CHP, leader Deniz Baykal, who accused the governing party of passing the law hastily in a "midnight coup," and not informing them of the move in advance.