Gülen movement rules out forming political party now or in future
ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News
Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen. Hürriyet photo
Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen’s “Hizmet” Movement denounced claims that the movement plans to establish a political party, the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF), known with its links to the movement, said in a statement on Nov. 11.The JWF ruled out the possibility of the movement forming any political party, now or in the future, and said they wanted to make a statement regarding the issue, as similar claims might emerge again before the elections.
“It is theatrically and practically out of question for the community, which has voluntary supporters from different political affiliations, to form a political party or to be engaged in a political party. It is a false claim that this idea comes to the agenda from time to time,” said the JWF statement.
“This community, which has no other purpose than serving humanity, advises people who work for it to define their relations with politics on values and principles. These values include human rights, democracy, transparent and just governance, pluralism, rule of law, freedom of faith and speech. All political parties which properly represent these values are preferred,” said the statement.
However, the statement also said being involved in politics is a legitimate right and benefits the country. It said those “influenced from the movement’s cultural base” can decide to be involved in politics.
The two subjects that the community will not form a party or engage with a party, but that those who set their heart to Hizmet can be involved in the politics through their own decision, but must not be confused for each other, said the statement.
