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Turkey issues Fethullah Gulen arrest warrant | Turkey issues Fethullah Gulen arrest warrant |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A Turkish court has issued an arrest warrant for the influential cleric Fethullah Gulen. | |
Mr Gulen, who is in self-imposed exile in the US, is accused of establishing and running an "armed terrorist group". | |
He was once an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but has now been accused of plotting to overthrow the Turkish government - a claim the cleric strongly denies. | He was once an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but has now been accused of plotting to overthrow the Turkish government - a claim the cleric strongly denies. |
The US is thought to be unlikely to act on any extradition request. | The US is thought to be unlikely to act on any extradition request. |
The move comes amid a national crackdown on perceived supporters of the cleric. | The move comes amid a national crackdown on perceived supporters of the cleric. |
Over 20 journalists working for media outlets thought to be sympathetic to the Gulen movement were arrested last weekend. | Over 20 journalists working for media outlets thought to be sympathetic to the Gulen movement were arrested last weekend. |
Eight of them were freed on Friday on the orders of a court in Istanbul. Those released include Ekrem Dumanli, editor-in-chief of Zaman newspaper. | Eight of them were freed on Friday on the orders of a court in Istanbul. Those released include Ekrem Dumanli, editor-in-chief of Zaman newspaper. |
Four others, including a TV station boss, remain in custody. | Four others, including a TV station boss, remain in custody. |
According to the BBC's Mark Lowen in Istanbul, it was expected that the authorities would go after Mr Gulen after having targeted those linked to him. | According to the BBC's Mark Lowen in Istanbul, it was expected that the authorities would go after Mr Gulen after having targeted those linked to him. |
While the US and Turkey have an extradition agreement, the warrant is considered to be largely symbolic - and unlikely to be acted upon. | While the US and Turkey have an extradition agreement, the warrant is considered to be largely symbolic - and unlikely to be acted upon. |
The relationship between Washington and Ankara has grown fractious, though they remain allies. | The relationship between Washington and Ankara has grown fractious, though they remain allies. |
Mr Erdogan has faced criticism from international leaders and his opponents, who accuse him of authoritarianism and undermining free press. | Mr Erdogan has faced criticism from international leaders and his opponents, who accuse him of authoritarianism and undermining free press. |
Many abroad believe that the charges against Mr Gulen are politically motivated. | Many abroad believe that the charges against Mr Gulen are politically motivated. |
The wealthy cleric, who operates an international network of schools and businesses, has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999. | The wealthy cleric, who operates an international network of schools and businesses, has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999. |
According to media reports, the prosecutor filing the arrest warrant accused Mr Gulen of leading an armed terrorist group - a charge that carries up to 15 years in prison. | According to media reports, the prosecutor filing the arrest warrant accused Mr Gulen of leading an armed terrorist group - a charge that carries up to 15 years in prison. |