- Title: Turkish justice minister calls for extradition of cleric Gulen on U.S. visit
- Date: 27th October 2016
- Summary: SAYLORSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES (FILE- JULY 17, 2016) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF RETREAT WHERE ISLAMIC CLERIC FETHULLAH GULEN LIVES SIGN FOR CHESTNUT CAMP RETREAT CENTER GULEN SEATED IN HIS PRIVATE ROOM
- Embargoed: 11th November 2016 17:35
- Keywords: Fethullah Gulen Muslim cleric Turkey extradition Bekir Bozdag Turkish Justice Minister Loretta Lynch
- Location: WASHINGTON, D.C. / SAYLORSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES
- City: WASHINGTON, D.C. / SAYLORSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES
- Country: USA
- Topics: Crime/Law/Justice,Judicial Process/Court Cases/Court Decisions
- Reuters ID: LVA00355S8FGN
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag called for the extradition of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen on Thursday (October 27), following a meeting with his U.S. counterpart, Attorney General Loretta Lynch in Washington.
Ankara wants the United States to detain and extradite Gulen so that he can be prosecuted in Turkey on a charge that he masterminded the attempt to overthrow the government.
Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999, denies any involvement.
Speaking to reporters, Bozdag said the meeting with Lynch was a good opportunity to exchange views and promised a fair trial for Gulen if he is extradited.
"Of course, if the process is prolonged or if a flaw happens within that process, this would mean a huge blow between the relationship between Turkey and the United States," he warned.
"Although this is a legal process, we still believe that the U.S. will not choose a terrorist over Turkey," he added.
The White House on Thursday reiterated that a decision on Turkey's extradition request was pending the review of evidence presented by Ankara.
"President Obama's been just as serious about indicating that this is a process that must follow the outlines of the extradition treaty between the United States and Turkey, but also must be consistent with the laws that are on the books here in the United States," White House spokesman told reporters at the daily briefing.
Several of Gulen's relatives, including a nephew, niece and cousins, have been arrested since the failed July 15 coup.
In addition, authorities have cracked down on schools, media and businesses run by Gulen.
Some of Turkey's Western allies and human rights groups have accused Erdogan of using the putsch and the purge that has followed to suppress any opposition. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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