Turkish Army objects to proposed law

ANKARA, Turkey, July 6 (UPI) -- The Turkish Army objects to the possibility of civilian courts to try military personnel, military officials said.

Parliament passed a bill last month allowing civilian courts to try military suspects in certain circumstances. Army officials announced their objection Sunday, saying the provision is contrary to Article 145 of the Constitution, which regulates the functioning of the military judiciary.

The bill would send to civilian courts cases in which military personnel are accused of crimes involving national security, constitutional violations, organizing armed groups and attempts to topple the government.

Army officials said the amendment would have a negative impact on the chain of command and would affect the immunity of military zones. Army representatives predicted an authority conflict between the civilian and military judiciary.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul faces a July 10 for signing the bill into law. Otherwise he could send it back to Parliament for more debate, Hurriyet Daily News reported Sunday.