ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded Tuesday to the loss of life of exiled Islamic cleric Fetullah Gulen, accused by Turkey of orchestrating a failed coup try in 2016, by saying he suffered a “dishonorable loss of life” and likened him to a “demon in human kind.”
The reclusive Gulen died Sunday after residing for many years within the U.S. in self-imposed exile. He was in his eighties and had lengthy been in in poor health well being. As soon as an ally of Erdogan, Gulen in the long run was described by him as a terrorist, and Turkey cracked down on his supporters, colleges and institutes around the globe.
“Those that turned the youngsters of the nation into senseless slaves below the guise of service and charity have ended up with a dishonorable loss of life, akin to different demons in human kind all through historical past,” Erdogan mentioned in a televised handle.
“As a state, we’ll proceed our battle with willpower till (the Gulenist motion) is totally eradicated,” he added.
The cleric’s huge community of followers aided Erdogan’s rise to energy in 2003. The alliance broke down after the federal government closed some Gulen-run instructional institutions and Gulen’s followers within the police and judiciary pursued corruption allegations towards Erdogan’s authorities.
Erdogan accused Gulen of orchestrating the tried army coup on July 15, 2016, by which 251 individuals died and greater than 2,000 wounded. Gulen denied any involvement, and his supporters dismissed the fees as ridiculous and politically motivated.
Turkey put Gulen on its most-wanted checklist and demanded his extradition, however the USA confirmed little inclination to ship him again, saying it wanted extra proof.
The coup try contributed to the acceleration of authoritarian tendencies in Turkey, with Erdogan’s authorities implementing measures that consolidated his powers.
Gulen’s motion was subjected to a broad crackdown following the coup try, with 1000’s arrested, fired and purged from the army. Faculties, companies and media organizations tied to Gulen had been closed down.
Strain was utilized to some Gulen-linked organizations outdoors Turkey as properly. Gulen referred to as the crackdown a witch hunt and denounced Turkey’s leaders as “tyrants.”
Erdogan on Tuesday mentioned Gulen died with out being held accountable, “however they will be unable to flee divine justice.”
