Ankara says file 'ready' to seek Gülen’s extradition from US

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Prosecutors in the Turkish capital Ankara have prepared a file seeking to extradite U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who has been accused of leading a purported terrorist organization, as well as trying to infiltrate and overthrow the elected Turkish government, sources said on July 13.

Sources from the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said the file will be sent to the Justice Ministry on July 14, and then to the U.S. Justice Department with a formal extradition request.

Gülen has long been accused by leading Justice and Development Party (AKP) lawmakers, as well as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his inner circle, of forming and heading a terrorist organization aimed at toppling the Turkish government through insiders in the police and other state institutions.

Last October, an Istanbul court issued an arrest warrant for Gülen after approving a 1,453-page indictment charging him with attempting to overthrow the government of the Republic of Turkey or obstructing it from conducting its duties by force.

According to the sources, the extradition file includes information on Gülen’s identity and address in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, as well as the accusations and charges against him, with places, dates and other details.