Latest news with #FETÖ
Business Recorder
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Türkiye commemorates ‘Democracy and National Unity Day'
KARACHI: The Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye in Karachi on Tuesday held a solemn commemoration ceremony marking July 15 – Democracy and National Unity Day, remembering the victims and honouring the heroes who resisted the attempted coup in Türkiye in 2016. Delivering the keynote address, Dr Cemal Sangu, Consul General of Türkiye reflected on the events of July 15, 2016. He described it as 'a dark chapter in our nation's history,' when 'a faction within our military, led by the Fettulahist Terrorist Organisation —FETÖ — sought to overthrow our democratically elected government and undermine the very foundations of our republic.' The Consul General emphasised that the attempted coup was not just an attack on the government but on Türkiye's democracy, freedoms, and way of life. He said that 'FETÖ, led by Fethullah Gülen, infiltrated our institutions over decades, using deception and manipulation,' calling it 'not only a terrorist organisation, but also an espionage organisation with a 'cult' character.' 'No one should forget that the name of democracy is Türkiye,' he remarked. Recalling the dramatic scenes from that night, he said: 'Tanks rolled into our streets, jets flew low over our cities, and soldiers attempted to seize control of key installations.' But under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, innocent civilians, unarmed and defenseless, stood up against the coup plotters, showing immense bravery and resolve. 'Hundreds of our fellow citizens lost their lives, and thousands were injured in the struggle to protect our democracy. So, the name of heroism is Türkiye,' he added. Despite the darkness of the night, the Consul General highlighted the unity and strength that followed: 'The people of Türkiye, regardless of political affiliation, came together to defend our democratic institutions. Our unity and determination in the face of such adversity were nothing short of inspirational. Therefore, the name of courage and faith is Türkiye.' He informed the audience that the government of Türkiye took swift action after the coup: 'Thousands of arrests were made, and a thorough investigation was launched to bring those responsible to justice… because the name of independence is Türkiye.' He also warned of the lingering danger posed by the network: 'We must remain vigilant… These dark, self-interested and corrupt elements pose a danger to all societies abroad that have ties to Türkiye… since the name of freedom is Türkiye.' The Consul General called for lasting unity and solidarity, saying: 'The events of July 15th taught us that our greatest strength lies in our ability to come together in times of crisis… That's why the name of solidarity is Türkiye.' In conclusion, he declared: 'The July 15th coup attempt was a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy… But it also highlighted the resilience and courage of the Turkish people. The name of victory is Türkiye.' He also paid tribute to the martyrs of July 15 and the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Tree-plantation on Turkish Democracy and National Unity Day
ISLAMABAD: In commemoration of Türkiye's July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency organised a tree planting ceremony here at Fatima Jinnah (F-9) Park. A total of 253 saplings were planted—each representing a martyr of the failed 2016 coup attempt by the FETÖ terrorist organisation. The ceremony was attended by Irfan Nezirolu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Islamabad; Naeem Akbar Raja, federal secretary for Law and Justice of Pakistan; government officials, civil society representatives, Turkish institutions, and citizens. T&KA Pakistan Coordinator Saliha Tuna emphasised the symbolic value of the event in honouring the martyrs and reinforcing Türkiye's dedication to democracy. She also highlighted the enduring friendship between Türkiye and Pakistan. Ambassador Nezirolu, recalling his role during the 2016 coup attempt, expressed gratitude for Pakistan's unwavering support and honoured the martyrs with heartfelt respect. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Euronews
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Arrest warrants issued for Turkish military personnel for coup links
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has issued arrest warrants for 63 active-duty military personnel accused of links to the Gülen movement (FETÖ), which Ankara blames for the failed coup attempt on 15 July 2016. According to a statement released, simultaneous operations were carried out across 36 provinces, resulting in the detention of 56 suspects. Among those detained are four colonels, as well as officers from the Turkish Land, Naval, and Air Forces and the Gendarmerie. The prosecutor's office said that the suspects include eight personnel from the Air Force, 13 from the Gendarmerie General Command, 36 from the Land Forces, and six from the navy. The detainees comprise four colonels, eight lieutenant colonels, 12 majors, 15 captains, and 24 non-commissioned officers. The statement alleges that these individuals have ties to FETÖ, the group founded by cleric Fethullah Gülen, who lived in self-imposed exile in the United States from 1999 until his death in October 2024. The group is accused by Turkish authorities of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt, which claimed the lives of around 290 people. The prosecutor's office said in a statement: "The arrest and detention of 63 suspects in Istanbul and 35 other cities was launched simultaneously at 06:00 today, in accordance with instructions given to the Istanbul Police Anti-Terror Branch Directorate. We will keep you informed of further developments." On the evening of 15 July 2016, military units loyal to the plotters launched an attempted coup d'état and took to the streets of Ankara and Istanbul, bombing government buildings including the Turkish Parliament and the presidential palace. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was on holiday in Marmaris at the time. Several senior officials, including then Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar and General Yaşar Güler (now Defence Minister), were taken hostage. In Friday's statement, the prosecutor's office said the suspects had been identified through telephone communication records. The statement described FETÖ as "the biggest threat to the constitutional order and survival of the state," and claimed that the number of undetected military personnel affiliated with the organisation exceeded those who actively participated in the coup. Although specific charges were not detailed, the prosecutor's office noted that around 25,800 military personnel have been detained in connection with the failed coup attempt since 2016. The Gülen movement — officially referred to by the government as the Fethullahist Terrorist Organisation/Parallel State Structure (FETÖ/PDY) — has long been accused of establishing a clandestine network within state institutions, including the judiciary, police and military. The group has been implicated in various criminal activities, including leaking university entrance exam questions and orchestrating the assassination of academic Necip Hablemitoğlu. It is also accused of involvement in the murder of journalist Hrant Dink and other serious crimes. The first legal case against the organisation was filed in 1999. The indictment accused Gülen and his followers of trying to create "an illegal organisation with the aim of establishing a state based on Islamic principles by changing the constitutional system." Tensions between the Gülen movement and the ruling AK Party escalated significantly in 2013 during a corruption investigation, dubbed by critics as a coup attempt, led by prosecutors allegedly linked to the group. Following the coup attempt in 2016, further crackdowns took place under a state of emergency, with many individuals dismissed via emergency decrees. Critics have raised concerns over inconsistencies in the enforcement of justice. While some high-profile businessmen with alleged ties to the movement have avoided prison, many low-level affiliates were jailed or lost their jobs. Former AK Party MP Şamil Tayyar claimed that a "FETÖ stock exchange" operated during the purges, where businessmen could allegedly avoid prosecution by paying bribes. "There are millions of dollars involved," Tayyar said. "They're releasing businessmen under the guise of being informants. This is happening all over Turkey."
