Türker Ertürk sentenced to prison and released

Retired Rear Admiral Türker Ertürk has been sentenced to 1 year, 14 months, and 20 days in prison by the Bakırköy 5th Criminal Court of First Instance. The charges against him included ‘threatening to create fear and panic among the public’ and ‘inciting the commission of a crime.’

The legal proceedings originated from a television interview Ertürk gave to TELE 1 in March 2023, which resurfaced on social media. Ertürk, who previously served as the Commander of the Naval Academy between 2008 and 2010, denied the allegations during his hearing via video link.

While the court initially handed down a sentence of 2 years and 8 months, the final term was reduced to the current sentence. Due to the time Ertürk has already spent in detention since August 17, the court ordered his immediate release.