Turkish Cleric Fethullah Gulen, Accused Of 2016 Coup Plot Is Dead

Fethullah Gulen, the influential Turkish cleric accused of orchestrating a failed coup in 2016, has died at the age of 83, according to confirmation from Turkey’s foreign minister.

Gulen, who had lived in self-imposed exile in the US since 1999, reportedly passed away in a Pennsylvania hospital, as reported by Turkish media.

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Gulen was the spiritual leader of the global Hizmet movement, which promoted education, altruism, and moderate Islam.

Once a close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, their relationship soured in 2013, with Erdogan accusing Gulen’s followers of forming a “state within a state” and declaring his movement a terrorist organization.

Erdogan blamed Gulen for masterminding the 2016 coup attempt, a claim Gulen consistently denied.

The coup led to a night of violence in Turkey, with military forces seizing TV stations, launching attacks on government buildings, and causing widespread unrest.

The attempt ultimately failed, and a wave of arrests followed, targeting Gulenists and military leaders.

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Despite Turkey’s repeated requests for extradition, Gulen remained in the US, with American authorities seeking evidence of his involvement in the coup.

He continued to lead the Gulen movement from exile until his death.

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