Turkey 'Democracy or Dictatorship?' New graft probe taken from prosecutor Akkaş.

Turkey 'Democracy or Dictatorship?' New graft probe taken from prosecutor Akkaş.(TZ).

A new graft probe has been taken from prosecutor Muammer Akkaş, who is known for his work on sensitive cases like the Ergenekon coup plot and the murder of the Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, a move that could further cast a shadow over the corruption investigation.

LIVE UPDATES15:10 - AK Party deputy urges president to intervene in Turkey's political turmoilJustice and Development Party (AK Party) Ankara deputy Haluk Özdalga has stated that the political turmoil Turkey is going through is currently above the conflict between government and the Hizmet movement and needs an urgent intervention by President Abdullah Gül, further deeming it a crisis of both government and democracy.

“The turmoil we are going through -- which I call a crisis of government and democracy -- is at such an extent that the damage to the country's regime, economy and international esteem is growing incrementally,” Özdalga said, further adding that the support of the president is a must in such a chaotic atmosphere.

“Leaving all personal benefits and special conditions behind, the president should take steps towards [intervening] within the framework of his constitutional authorities. He seems to be the only way out to overcome the current crisis. 

The tension and chaos which cannot be eased might lead to permanent damage to the country. I personally think President Abdullah Gül should urgently intervene in this political turmoil and hope this unrest will come to a halt through the efforts of our president.”

14:30 - New graft probe taken from prosecutor AkkaşOn Wednesday, the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office ordered the detention of 30 suspects, including a number of deputies and businessmen. The İstanbul Police Department, which saw an extensive purge of its top officers over the last week, has not complied with the order, however.Akkaş was leading the investigation, which is seen as the second round of a graft probe that has shaken Turkey's political establishment.

Early media reports claimed that the investigation concerns al-Qaeda operations in Turkey as well as business deals in which deputies and public officials are involved.Akkaş gave the order to detain the suspects to the İstanbul police in the afternoon. The police, however, did not immediately comply; the İstanbul Police Department did not assign a team to carry out the mission.

17:20- İstanbul chief public prosecutor criticizes handling of corruption investigationİstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor has criticized handling of the corruption investigation into the alleged bribery and tender rigging in which dozens of well-known businessmen and sons of three ministers were detained.İstanbul chief prosecutor criticized prosecutors for launching the investigation last week without informing his office.

16:30 - Prosecutor Akkaş says he was blocked from investigating new graft probe“All my colleagues and the public should know that I have been prevented from doing my duty,” the prosecutor said in a statement sent to media outlets on Thursday.

16:10- MHP leader blasts Erdoğan's gov't over graft scandalCommenting on the graft scandal that has hit the country, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli said on Thursday that the stain upon ruling party can no longer be washed away given that the corruption has spread “all around.”Bahçeli, in a press conference held prior to the party's general meeting, said: “The graft has wrapped around the entire country like an octopus. The corruption that has spread everywhere cannot be cleared away from this moment on,” calling further for an objective and fair trial as the country suffers from a “depression."
“This gruesome graft scandal has rocked the country, marking the biggest blow in recent years. The ruling party has lost all of its moral values; the way it is desperate and puzzled is very pathetic in my view. It is of much significance that the probe should resume till the end, in an impartial manner though. These accusations and allegations should be blasted away. As long as the judiciary is transparent, Turkey will always win,” Bahçeli added.

He concluded his speech by slamming the government over its involvement in the corruption, further accusing the party of having a prior record of graft, without specifying particular incidents.

Hmmm.....As some readers know i've been posting about 'Sanctions that benefit Turkey' foe almost two years, so i'm not surprised, but this could only happen because the Obama 'admin' allowed it.

Related: Much, much more here:

"Sanctions That Benefit" - Iranian gold stars in Turkish corruption scandal 

Great overview of 'events' here: 

AKP's Longest Day: Erdogan's Omnipotence Backfires Spectaculary, But Will The Protests Trigger Early Elections?