Statement on Erdogan Government’s shameful action against Fethullah Gulen


Date posted: December 21, 2014

With its latest action, Erdogan government has abandoned all sensibilities and crossed important ethical and moral boundaries. While not unexpected, it is deeply disappointing to see the government openly abuse its power in order to ensure that it maintains absolute control over its citizens.

Instead of recognizing Mr. Gulen for his decades of selfless service in peacefully promoting democracy, education and dialogue, Erdogan government is using false charges to oppress and harass its own people.

This action — taken just days after the arrests of many senior journalists, and exactly one year after corruption probes against government officials began — is nothing more than an attempt to shift public attention away from issues such as corruption, palace scandal, nepotism and efforts to limit press freedoms.

The issuance of an arrest warrant, after months of hate speech and threats against Mr. Gulen and manipulation of legal system is a clear indication of political persecution. Such tactics are the hallmark of an autocratic regime.

Erdogan government already uses its position to intimidate and threaten its critics. It has now demonstrated it will use any possible means to silence critical voices in Turkish society. Unfortunately, such actions will only achieve one thing: They will continue to polarize Turkish society and damage Turkey’s reputation among nations of the world.

For the sake of all Turkish citizens, we urge democratic leaders, countries and organizations around the world to strongly condemn Erdogan government’s actions.

About Alliance for Shared Values

Alliance for Shared Values is a non–‐profit that serves as a voice for dialogue organizations affiliated with the Hizmet in the U.S. (also known as Gulen movement). The Alliance serves as a central source of information on Fethullah Gulen and Hizmet.  For  more information, please visit www.afsv.org.

Source: Alliance for Shared Values , December 19, 2014


Related News

Gülen says arms, swords have no place in Hizmet’s philosophy

Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen has stressed that the idea of pursuing an armed struggle has never had a place in the philosophy of the Hizmet movement

Canada’s Turkish community on edge as government crackdown continues

In the aftermath of the failed coup — and the subsequent purge of thousands of workers accused of being dissidents — Canada has seen a spike in asylum claims from Turkey. The 55,000-strong Turkish-Canadian community has also become increasingly polarized, with distrust and accusations of witch hunts against anyone deemed to be a sympathizer and supporter of the Gulen Movement.

Erdoğan’s personal propaganda tool, the MGK

Erdoğan has asserted that the Gülen movement is to be included in the Red Book as a “prioritized threat.” But never mind the fact that he acts and speaks as though this has all been decided upon already. The fact is, he does not have the proper authority to do this. What’s more, there is absolutely no document or piece of information that would support such a move.

Anatolia in Los Angeles

We can build better tomorrows by not discounting historical truths, and instead face these truths and reconcile with them when necessary. While doing so, we can of course pay the tribute necessary to the cultures and the peoples that have helped us arrive at this point.

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

“With sorrowful hearts and humble acceptance of Allah’s will, we share the news of the departure of Fethullah Gülen Hocaefendi from this temporal world.” Chestnut Retreat Center where Mr. Gulen resided since 1999 announced.

‘Ekol Hoca’ center of attention on Periscope with his ’online prep school’

A Turkish teacher known as “Ekol Hoca” who has been providing online lessons to students, especially those preparing for nationwide exams amid government’s efforts to shut down prep schools, via live video streaming application Periscope has attracted attention after the CEO of Periscope expressed his gratitude to the teacher.

Latest News

Fethullah Gulen – man of education, peace and dialogue – passes away

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

In Case You Missed It

White House hosts first-ever Eid al-Adha celebration, Rumi Forum contributes

Two-truck load of Kimse Yok Mu aid for Turkmens

Local Turks [in Chicago] fear for safety of friends, family overseas after failed coup

Erdogan goes after Morocco’s Gulenists

Dutch politicians outraged over new “Gulen-List”

Albanian president to Erdoğan: Turkish schools pose no threat

Lawyer: Female journalist traumatized by abuse, torture at Turkish police station

Copyright 2025 Hizmet News