New detentions in Ergenekon probe

Former and current university rectors as well as academics and members of the Kemalist Thought Association (ADD) and the Support for Modern Life Association (CYDD) were among 20 people detained yesterday as part of the ongoing investigation into Ergenekon, an alleged secret crime network nested within state organs charged with plotting to overthrow the government. Twenty individuals were detained yesterday in simultaneous police operations staged at 83 homes and offices belonging to 50 people in 18 cities as part of the ongoing investigation. The new detainees include Baskent University Rector Mehmet Haberal, ADD Deputy Chairman Mustafa Yurtkuran, former Ondokuz Mayıs University Rector Ferit Bernay, and former İnönü University Rector Fatih Hilmioğlu. The offices of CYDD Chairwoman Türkan Saylan were also searched yesterday, and Tijen Mergen, a member of Milliyet newspaper's board, was detained. The rectors, the prosecution claims, were actively involved in planned military coups which retired generals are suspected of having devised in 2003 and 2004. Searches were conducted in offices of the ADD, CYDD, Contemporary Education Foundation, Kanal B television station, Baskent University and Patalya Hotel. More than 200 people have been indicted in the case on charges of forming an illegal organization to provoke events to pave the way for a coup. But opposition parties accuse the government of using the case to muzzle its opponents and cover up its political failures.