17 Turkish soldiers accused of executing PKK rebels May 23, 2012 - 20:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Seventeen Turkish soldiers, including three officers, were arrested May 23 on charges of summarily executing two militants and one civilian in a military operation, Hurriyet Daily News reported. Two militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and one civilian, whom the militants had taken hostage after taking shelter in his house, were killed in a shootout with soldiers near Buğulukaynak village in the eastern province of Van in 2009. An investigation was launched after a soldier who took part in the operation claimed that the militants and the civilian were not killed in a firefight but were summarily executed by the soldiers. A prosecutor questioned 17 soldiers related to the incident, including the commander of the Van Provincial Gendarmerie Regiment at the time, retired Col. Vecihi Halil İyigün, Maj. Hakan Başaklıgil, Lt. Mulis Çolak, one non-commissioned officer and 13 specialist sergeants. The suspects were then sent to a courthouse in Van's Erciş district, where they were arrested on charges of voluntary manslaughter. The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year  German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year.Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan.Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan.Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |
