Baykal calls Ergenekon probe "political showdown"

Commenting on the ongoing Ergenekon probe and controversial detentions under it made this week, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal said yesterday that the Ergenekon probe was not a normal investigative process but rather a "political showdown" which is sowing division and tension in Turkish politics, justice and society. Speaking at a CHP meeting in Ankara, he said the public has suspicions about the operation's true purpose, adding that it has political aims. "One after the other, distinguished people from various walks of society known to oppose the government have been detained," he observed. The opposition leader said he hoped the courts would reject all the probe's allegations. "Turkey will face a very important test," he added. Also speaking about this week's Socialist International meeting, which the CHP decided not to attend, Baykal said his party would decide whether or not to stay in the group. The CHP had faced criticisms from some SI members over the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in Turkey.