Author: Meline Chalian

Six years after the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) tried to seize power with a coup, the Turkish judiciary has managed to wrap up 289 trials against the putschists, sentencing 4,891 defendants. The lengthy appeals process has also concluded, with most trials seeking to overturn verdicts still playing out before higher courts.

On July 15, Turkey will mark the sixth anniversary of the coup attempt that killed 251 people and injured hundreds of others. The attempt was quashed thanks to strong public resistance, coupled with the actions of anti-putschist soldiers and law enforcement.

Determined to deliver swift justice, Turkey has set up new courts and massive prison complexes that also include spacious courtrooms. In the aftermath of the putsch bid, prosecutors’ offices across the country launched more than 100,000 investigations into coup-related crimes. They culminated in 289 trials, with the first verdicts handed out in the eastern province of Erzurum, hometown of FETÖ leader Fetullah Gülen.

A colonel and a major in the province were sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment on Jan. 5, 2017 on charges of violating the Constitution. Most recently, the final coup trial in the western province of Çanakkale concluded with prison sentences for several military officers.

Overall, 3,000 defendants were convicted of charges carrying life sentences. A total of 1,634 defendants, including 85 generals, were given aggravated life imprisonment, a sentence that rules out early release or parole. Another 1,366 defendants were sentenced to life, including 24 former generals and 536 high-ranking military officers. A total of 1,891 defendants were sentenced to lesser prison terms while 2,870 people were freed after they were not found guilty.

One of the most significant trials, which ended with hefty sentences, had to do with an assassination attempt targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the time of the coup bid. Thirty-one defendants, including a general accused of coordinating the assassination plot, were given multiple aggravated life imprisonment sentences in the trial that concluded in 2017.

Aggravated life sentences were also handed out in major trials dealing with a large number of defendants in the capital Ankara. Among them was the Akıncı base trial, named after the military base where the coup ringleaders planned and coordinated the attempt. It had the highest number of defendants in coup-related trials with 475 people facing charges. Fifteen military officers and four civilians were given aggravated life sentences in the trial that ended in 2020. In another big trial in the capital, in which 224 people were tried for planning and executing the plot to take over the army, 127 defendants were sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment and another 23 were given life sentences in 2019.

Although most military officers who took part in the coup bid were sentenced, the "civilian" members of FETÖ remain more elusive. Only a few were caught red-handed during the attempt, including executives and staff of a FETÖ-linked company who were apparently helping the putschists since they were caught at the Akıncı base when the attempt was quelled. They were sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment but Adil Öksüz, the alleged mastermind of the coup bid on behalf of ringleader Gülen remains at large. Öksüz, originally a theology lecturer, was also captured at the same base but a court released him shortly after in a controversial decision. Since then, he has disappeared and is believed to be abroad.

As for Gülen, the terrorist group's leader continues his life uninterrupted in a posh residence in Pennsylvania in the United States. One of most wanted men in Turkey, he is the main defendant in a myriad of trials on FETÖ's wrongdoings including the 2016 coup bid. Yet, the United States has so far dragged its feet extraditing him, despite multiple requests by Ankara.

 Armenia launched its first space satellite and plans to establish a satellite control center in the country by the end of 2023.

 Russian peacekeepers facilitated the return of an Armenian soldier who accidentally crossed into Azerbaijan in April.

 Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed Armenian prisoners of war in Azerbaijan and Karabakh’s final status in a speech to parliament.

 Pashinyan met with U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy to talk about negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve the Karabakh conflict.

 National Assembly Vice President Ishkhan Saghatelyan announced that the opposition will convene a special session next week to lay out red lines for Armenia-Azerbaijan and Armenia-Turkey normalization efforts.

A group of campers at Camp Tecuya

BY KATY SIMONIAN

Homenetmen’s Camp Tecuya continues to welcome hundreds of Armenian children to its sprawling 26-acres each year. Nestled at the base of Mt. Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest, Homenetmen’s Camp Tecuya provides year-round programs that nurture the personal enrichment and development of our youth through activities that promote health, educational opportunity and athletics.

Approximately 75 miles north of Los Angeles, Camp Tecuya offers a peaceful retreat for young Armenians to strengthen their sense of community, pursue their individual interests, and appreciate the camp’s open spaces, clean air, and natural beauty. One of the goals of Camp Tecuya is to encourage our children to connect with nature and to foster a greater appreciation for our role in protecting the environment.

With scenic views of the forest, the camp offers an ideal space for many seasonal activities including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and archery.

Camp Tecuya’s facilities have also been the site for hosting an array of community events — from picnics and educational seminars to executive and wellness retreats, as well as Conferences that annually bring thousands of visitors.

Additionally, the camp boasts an Aquatic center fully equipped with an Olympic pool, dressing rooms and showers. Cabins featuring bunk beds, modern plumbing, fireplaces, kitchens, restrooms, and other amenities will make for a memorable experience. The camp also has 12 platforms for congregating and sleeping under the stars, along with a Camp Fire Circle with seating for up to 250 people — perfect for enjoying bonfires, performances and creating beautiful memories.

“We are committed to maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the camp all year round, while we expand the activities and accommodations for our cherished guests,” said Hrach Galoustian, Homenetmen’s Regional Member in charge of the camp.

Camp Tecuya is one of Homenetmen’s many noble programs being celebrated at the 45h Navasartian Victory Ball, set to take place on Sunday, June 26 at The Beverly Hilton.

“Camp Tecuya is one of our greatest achievements, as we have created a place where our children can thrive, embrace the fun of our many activities and build life-long friendships with their fellow Armenians. Our greatest hope is that the camp experience will inspire our youth to carry on Homenetmen’s tradition of service for generations to come,” noted Steve Artinian, Chair of the 45^th Navasartian Victory Ball Committee.

Registration for Homenetmen Western USA’s  8^th Regional Camp is now open for Summer 2022.

Homenetmen looks forward to welcoming our children back to Camp Tecuya and is committed to securing the future of this beloved space which has become a staple of our organization.

For more information about Camp Tecuya and the 45^th Navasartian Victory Ball, please visit Camp Tecuya’s website, the Navasartian Games website, or call (323) 344-4300.

Katy Simonian is a member of the 45^th Navasartian Victory Ball Committee.