FETO Leader’s Criminal File: A History of Coup Attempts and Assassinations
After multiple failed conspiracies, FETO attempted a coup on July 15, 2016, in an effort to seize control of the state administration. The coup was thwarted thanks to the opposition of public officials and citizens, resulting in 252 people martyred and over 2,000 individuals injured across the country.
In the midst of the coup attempt, investigations were launched into the protests sweeping the nation, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants for the coup plotters and the leader of the organization, Gülen. Gülen, who was seen in a “khaki robe” appearing before the coup attempt giving instructions to members for the coup, was listed as “suspect number 1” in the indictments. Subsequently, with the acceptance of the indictments, Gülen became the “defendant number 1” as a fugitive.
Gülen was also a defendant in the General Staff rooftop case, which was opened in the capital city of Ankara to try the leaders of coup-related actions in various parts of the country. While some defendants received 141 life sentences each, including former general Akın Öztürk and major general Mehmet Dışli, separate plans were made for the trial of fugitive defendants like Gülen.
Moreover, Gülen was also implicated in the Akıncı Base case, where actions related to the coup attempt took place. The trial resulted in life sentences for organization leaders and former military coup plotters, while Gülen’s file remains separate for future proceedings.
Furthermore, investigations into FETO, initiated before the coup attempt, led to Gülen being the primary defendant in a case against 73 FETO members. Additional cases involving FETO instructions in the assassination of Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov were brought to light, further solidifying Gülen’s involvement in criminal activities.
Despite these legal battles and convictions against Gülen and his followers, the consequences of their actions continue to haunt Turkey. The quest for justice and accountability remains ongoing as the country seeks to root out the influence of FETO and hold its leaders accountable for their crimes.
