Retired Turkish general Veli Kucuk, who was sentenced to 86 years in prison, has been released.  

Against the backdrop of the conflict between PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Islamic opinion leader Fethullah Gulen, the Turkish authorities have begun releasing those who were sentenced to prison in connection with the Ergenekon case on the attempt to overthrow the current government of the country.    

Among those set free is retired General Veli Kucuk, who is known for his anti-Armenian activities.   

Kucuk is being linked to the devising of the murder of Hrant Dink, the founder and chief editor of Agos Armenian weekly of Istanbul, who was killed on January 19, 2007 in front of the weekly’s office.   

It is known that Veli Kucuk led an organization that planned special operations against Armenia.   

Ibrahim Sahin, who had organized assassination attempts against the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople and the leader of Sivas Armenians, likewise is among those who are released in connection with the Ergenekon case.