Erdogan complians of opposition statements about Ergenekon trial

Certain political party leaders continue to make statements about an ongoing case in order to "insult and influence" the judiciary, said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday. On many occasions, opposition leaders, such as the Republican People's Party's (CHP) Deniz Baykal, have criticized the ongoing Ergenekon trial, in which dozens of suspects, including former generals, journalists, businessmen and politicians, are accused of involvement in a shadowy crime network with alleged links within the state which is suspected of plotting to topple the government. Opposition leaders have claimed the trial is an attempt by the government to crack down on its critics. Speaking at the opening of a new Ankara Greater Municipality building, Erdogan said, "Despite all our warnings and requests, some party leaders are continuing to make statements about an ongoing judicial case that aim to influence and insult the judiciary and politicians. I've never given any credit to this provocation and this policy of causing tension and will never do so. I am in no way involved in this judicial case, but there is something that our nation obviously sees. Some circles are doing their best to hinder the progress of this case. Some circles continue to try to keep Turkey from learning and exposing shady links and illegal formations. Regardless of who does what, we believe in the judiciary; we have confidence in it, and we value the rule of law."