Fethullah Gulen, Accused of 2016 Coup, Reportedly Dies in U.S., Say Turkish Media

Oct 21, 2024, 07:04 AM

Fethullah Gulen, an exiled Turkish Muslim cleric residing in the United States, has reportedly died at the age of 83, according to Turkish state media outlets including TRT Haber and Hurriyet. Gulen, an ally-turned-adversary of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was accused by the Turkish government of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in 2016. He had been living in the U.S. since 1999 and was considered a significant opponent to Erdogan's administration. Reports about his death have not been officially confirmed, and some sources note the lack of acknowledgment from other official channels. Gulen's organization, known as the Gulen Movement or FETO (Fethullah Terrorist Organization) by Turkish authorities, is designated as a terrorist group in Turkey.