Turkey: Failure to Extradite Fethullah Gülen Will Damage Our Relations with the U.S.

On Tuesday, August 9, Turkey's Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ warned the United States that the failure to extradite Fethullah Gülen, a religious cleric, could harm Ankara's relations and cooperation with Washington. According to the Associated Press, Bozdağ stated, "Anti-American sentiments in Turkey regarding Fethullah Gülen have reached their peak, and if the U.S. does not take action on this matter, these sentiments may turn into hatred." He added, "If the U.S. does not extradite Fethullah Gülen, Turkey will be considered a victim of terrorism." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other officials have accused Gülen, who resides in the U.S., of leading the failed coup attempt on July 15 and have demanded his extradition. An Istanbul court also issued an arrest warrant for Gülen on August 5 for allegedly leading a coup against the Turkish government. The 75-year-old Gülen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, has repeatedly denied involvement in the coup. The U.S. State Department stated that if Turkey provides documented evidence to support its claims, Washington will consider the extradition of Gülen. According to the Turkish Justice Ministry, 16,000 people have been arrested on charges of links to Gülen and involvement in the coup. Additionally, over 60,000 individuals have been dismissed or suspended from various institutions, including the military, judiciary, ministries, universities, and other public and private entities. Several human rights defenders, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Reporters Without Borders, have criticized the Turkish government's actions following the failed coup. U.S. and EU officials have also urged the Turkish government to adhere to democratic principles and human rights in dealing with its opponents. However, Erdoğan announced to his supporters at a rally in Istanbul on Monday that if the Turkish people decide to reinstate the death penalty, he would support it. The abolition of the death penalty is a prerequisite for human rights for EU membership. Some EU countries, including Austria and Denmark, have stated that they will oppose Ankara's accession to the union due to Turkey's "undemocratic actions" following the coup.