In a significant escalation of its crackdown on alleged followers of the Gülen movement, Turkey has detained 110 individuals across 23 provinces. This operation, announced by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, is part of a broader effort to dismantle what the government labels as a terrorist organization linked to the failed coup attempt in 2016.
Key Takeaways
- 110 Detainees: Operations conducted in 23 provinces targeting alleged Gülen followers.
- Accusations: Detainees are accused of engaging in activities linked to the Gülen movement in various sectors, including education and the military.
- Historical Context: The Gülen movement, once supported by the Turkish government, has faced severe repression since the 2016 coup attempt.
The detainees are accused of participating in activities associated with the Gülen movement, which has been under intense scrutiny since the failed coup attempt in July 2016. Allegations against them include:
- Engaging in Gülen-linked activities at universities.
- Involvement in military operations.
- Forming new organizations despite ongoing crackdowns.
Fethullah Gülen, the movement’s leader, who passed away in October 2023, had been living in exile in the United States since 1999. The Turkish government has accused him and his followers of orchestrating the coup attempt and various corruption investigations, labeling them as terrorists in May 2016.
Details of the Operations
The recent detentions were part of a coordinated effort by Turkish authorities, with police operations spanning multiple provinces. Interior Minister Yerlikaya stated that the operations were aimed at dismantling networks of individuals who allegedly continue to support the movement.
Among those detained are:
- 13 former police officers.
- Two noncommissioned military officers.
- Two academics.
- Various professionals, including teachers and doctors.
Authorities have also reported seizing significant amounts of cash and documents during the raids, further indicating the scale of the operations.
Legal and Social Implications
The Turkish government’s approach to the Gülen movement has raised concerns about human rights and the rule of law. The so-called "payphone investigations" have been criticized for their reliance on circumstantial evidence, where call records are used to infer connections to the movement without direct evidence of wrongdoing.
Additionally, the use of the ByLock messaging application, which the government claims was a communication tool for Gülen supporters, has been a focal point in many prosecutions. However, a recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights stated that using ByLock alone does not constitute a criminal offense, challenging the Turkish government’s legal basis for many detentions.
Ongoing Repression
Since the coup attempt, over 705,000 individuals have been investigated for alleged ties to the Gülen movement, with more than 13,000 currently imprisoned on related charges. The latest detentions reflect the Turkish government’s continued commitment to suppressing dissent and targeting those associated with the Gülen movement, both domestically and internationally.
As Turkey navigates its complex political landscape, the implications of these operations extend beyond the immediate legal ramifications, affecting the broader discourse on human rights and freedom of expression in the country.
Sources
- Turkey detains 110 in operations targeting alleged Gülen followers – Stockholm Center for Freedom, Stockholm Center for Freedom.
