Media reports claim that Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish preacher and longstanding rival of Erdoğan, has passed away.

Fethullah Gülen, the scholar and preacher accused by Ankara of orchestrating the failed 2016 coup in Turkey, has passed away in the US where he was living. Gülen, 83, had been in a hospital receiving treatment. The coup, which aimed to topple President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, resulted in the deaths of 251 people and injuries to nearly 2,200. Gülen founded the Hizmet movement in Turkey but had been living in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania after a falling out with Erdoğan. The Turkish government labeled Hizmet, also known as FETÖ, as a terrorist organization and accused it of having a widespread network of supporters. Following the coup attempt, a crackdown was launched that led to arrests of judges, army officers, journalists, and the suspension of thousands of teaching licenses. Gülen consistently denied any involvement in the uprising, claiming he was not familiar with many people in the movement. He stated that his actions were based on his beliefs and teachings. Gülen’s death brings an end to a controversial figure who had been at the center of tension between Turkey and the US. The legacy of Gülen and the Hizmet movement will continue to be a topic of discussion and debate in both countries.

Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com