Alper Topsakal Retired After Court Overturns Expulsion from Turkish Armed Forces

Alper Topsakal, a senior officer known as the “commander of the lieutenants,” was expelled from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) following a disciplinary investigation launched after the Kara Harp Okulu oath ceremony. He challenged the expulsion in court, and the judiciary ruled in his favor, restoring his uniform and allowing him to return to duty. Shortly thereafter, an administrative decision placed him on retirement.

During his court hearing, Topsakal said, “I want to return to the army to correct the injustice done to me,” and added, “If loyalty to the Republic and Atatürk is questioned, I will step aside and let the children return.” His career spanned numerous special‑forces and commando units, including deployments in Cyprus, Iraq’s Hakurk region, and various Turkish mountain and commando brigades. In 2024 he served as deputy commander of the Kara Harp Okulu student battalion before the retirement order was issued.