"Military corruption under rare spotlight in Turkey
Public trial ends usual secrecy
By Catherine Collins
Special to the Tribune
Published December 24, 2004
ISTANBUL -- The Turkish government took another step forward in its silent revolution this week, bringing a former commander of the Turkish navy to public trial on corruption charges.
Until now, the military has been regarded as outside the reach of the government, but the highly publicized trial appears to be sending the message that the armed forces will abide by the rule of law too.
Retired Adm. Ilhami Erdil, 66, is the highest-ranking military officer to be prosecuted on corruption charges in decades. His request for a closed trial was rejected, and the presiding military judge took the unusual step of allowing television cameras into the courtroom."
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