Over the past decade, the most discussed, debated, and even targeted community in Turkey has undoubtedly been the Gülen Movement, also known as the Hizmet Movement.

After being accused of orchestrating the July 15 coup attempt, they have been subjected to what can be described as a mass social genocide. The human rights violations committed against them have led to thousands of cases being brought before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), resulting in numerous penalties for the Turkish state.

Many reports have been prepared documenting the experiences of this community. I would like to briefly summarize the latest findings for you.

Crackdown on Individuals Allegedly Linked to the Gülen Movement: A Detailed Overview

Situation in Turkey

Following the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, Turkey initiated a massive crackdown on individuals alleged to be associated with the Gülen movement.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Fethullah Gülen and his followers of orchestrating the coup, designating the movement as a terrorist organization. Since then, thousands of people have been arrested, dismissed from public service, and subjected to various legal processes.

Arrests and Prosecutions: Since 2016, approximately 332,484 people have been detained, with over 101,000 arrests…

In 2024 alone, the crackdown continues with 73 individuals detained within two days, including lawyers, former civil servants, and military personnel…

These individuals are often accused of using ByLock, an encrypted messaging app, which the government claims were used for covert communication among Gülen movement supporters​ (Turkish Minute)​​ (Turkish Minute)​.

International Law and Human Rights: Human Rights Watch and other international human rights organizations have continuously criticized these practices.

Reports indicate widespread use of torture and ill-treatment in detention centers, which violates international human rights norms and laws​ (Nordic Monitor)​​ (Turkish Minute)​.

International Operations: Turkey’s actions extend beyond its borders, with the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) reportedly involved in abducting Gülen movement affiliates from various countries. These operations often violate local laws and international norms.

Countries like Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Sudan have witnessed such abductions and extraditions orchestrated by Turkish authorities​ (Advocates of Silenced Turkey)​.

International Reactions and Legal Issues

 Judicial Independence and Fair Trials: Both the United Nations Human Rights Committee and the European Court of Human Rights have condemned Turkey’s actions, emphasizing the lack of judicial independence and fair trial standards.

Many of the charges lack credible evidence, and cases are often seen as politically motivated​ (Nordic Monitor)​​ (Turkish Minute)​.

Affected Groups: Journalists, teachers, judges, and military personnel are among the most affected…

Even family members of accused individuals face persecution. For instance, activities such as using ByLock or sending children to Gülen-affiliated schools are criminalized​ (GOV.UK)​.

Conclusion

The crackdown on individuals linked to the Gülen movement highlights severe human rights violations and breaches of international law.

This situation significantly undermines trust in Turkey’s judicial system and the rule of law. The international community must respond robustly to these human rights abuses and take steps to ensure that Turkey adheres to legal norms.

Neglecting this issue and remaining silent is to be complicit in the crime. Those who stay silent, especially Western states, will gradually lose their moral superiority and the trust placed in them will erode.

References:

Human Rights Watch – World Report 2024: Türkiye

Turkish Minute – UK Home Office report highlights persecution of Gülen movement in Turkey

Silenced Turkey – Beyond Turkey’s Borders: Unveiling Global Purge, Transnational Repression, Abductions

Nordic Monitor.

GOV.UK

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Ramazan Faruk GÜZEL

A former judge

NOTE: he address of this article is published at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/reports-on-human-106854116