AKP seeks internal removal of Gülenists

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

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Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) published a notice on Aug. 5, demanding its offices and municipalities across the country “sort out” employees linked to the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ). 

The notice signed by AKP deputy chair Hayati Yazıcı urged all party offices to carry out “rapid and careful sorting work” against those with links to FETÖ.

It also urged “good analysis” for those with no connections to the organization to avoid the consequences of uncorroborated claims against individuals in the process. 

The AKP administration’s decision came after Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş said recently there could be FETÖ allegiants within the party and they would be removed just as others were being removed from other spheres of the state as part of the massive crackdown on the organization blamed for initiating the July 15 failed coup attempt.

“It is possible, because for many years there have been people who were members of this organization within the AKP establishment. Unfortunately they have seen serious tolerance too, both in public duty and in party establishment. They have had deputies. They have had some ministers. This would be considered as well and just like how they are being cleaned from all places of the state, of course the necessary things would be done at the AKP. This process already started following Dec. 17-25,” said Kurtulmuş, referring to December 2013 graft probes involving high level politicians and known businessmen.