After top rank executives of the National Intelligence Agency (MİT) had been summoned to give their statements about two weeks ago, a series of new appointments at the police and the judiciary had followed. Now, a new change of personnel was announced for the MİT.

According to a news item by Metehan Demir from Hürriyet newspaper published on Thursday (23 February), MİT Istanbul Regional Chairman İ.N. was deposed from office and called to the central office. A person with the initials A.D. who was on duty in Ankara was appointed to the vacant top rank position. The change is going to be carried out within two days.

The Istanbul Regional Directorate is seen as one of the most essential units within the MİT and the position of the chairman is deemed the direct way to a promotion to the MİT Deputy Undersecretary.

Prosecutor Sadrettin Sarıkaya had called MİT undersecretary Hakan Fidan, MİT Deputy Undersecretary Afet Güneş, former MİT Undersecretary Emre Taner and two other MİT officers to the Special Authority Istanbul Publich Chief Prosecution to give their statements as suspects on 7 February. This move was being assessed as a "clash between the government and the religious community".

Prosecutor Sarıkaya was then deposed from the related investigation. Furthermore, several police directors were dismissed and it was decided to send 700 police officers to provinces in eastern Turkey upon an "appointment to the orient".

Last week, the Turkish Parliament approved an amendment of the MİT law. It was decided that the permission of the prime minister will be needed for investigations about MİT members or public officials appointed by the prime minister for certain duties in case of allegations related to the conduct of duty or offences committed during the time of duty. (EKN)