The death of Fethullah Gulen, the leader of the organization FETO, which has been labeled a terrorist group in Turkey, has sparked a fierce struggle for leadership within the group. According to sources within Turkish security forces, there is a possibility that Gulen's body could be stolen, as reported by the Turkish broadcaster Habertürk.
Earlier, the Gulen-affiliated Herkul website and Turkish television channels confirmed his death on October 20 at a clinic in Pennsylvania, USA. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also confirmed this information, citing intelligence sources. Gulen, 83, had been living in the US since 1999.
Turkish media reported that in his will, Gulen requested to be buried in Turkey, alongside his mother. However, sources in Turkish intelligence suggest that those close to Gulen are planning a private funeral in Pennsylvania, in a wooded area on the property of his son-in-law, Cevdet Turkyolu. Meanwhile, several senior figures within the organization are pushing for a large-scale funeral with participants from Europe.
The leadership of FETO is reportedly in “panic” and there is a high likelihood of a split within the organization following Gulen’s death. A power struggle has also begun over control of the group's financial assets. Turkish media have previously reported that FETO, which operates in over 100 countries, manages an estimated $200 billion annually.
The Turkish government has accused Gulen of orchestrating the failed coup attempt in July 2016, which resulted in over 250 deaths and more than 2,200 injuries. Ankara has repeatedly demanded Gulen's extradition from the US and has vowed to continue pursuing FETO members until all are brought to justice.
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Photo: Chris Post/AP/TASS
Based on TASS materials