“Terrorism has no nationality, ethnicity nor religion, FETO threatens humanity as a whole”

14 July 2022

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu

Share this story

On the evening of July 15, 2016, the “Fethullahist Terrorist Organization” (FETO) launched a bloody coup attempt against the people and the government of my country. Their aim was to establish a radical, fundamentalist regime, loyal only to their ringleader Fetullah Gülen.

As FETO-affiliated army units left their barracks to occupy key locations, such as the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, and fighter jets and attack helicopters bombed strategic targets including the Parliament, Presidential compound, army and police headquarters; thousands of civilians took to the streets to stop this unprecedented heinous coup attempt. The plotters killed 251 innocent civilians and left thousands injured. On that night the Turkish people defended democracy with their lives. This heroic response was something the conspirators did not foresee.

To understand what transpired, one has to understand the true nature of FETO. FETO was established in the late 1960’s as a so-called “religious movement”. In the guise of promoting education and inter-religious dialogue, it managed to cover its malign intentions. 

The well-planned and wide-spread infiltration by FETO members and converts into the army, law enforcement, judiciary and numerous government institutions, including my Ministry, was carried out for decades clandestinely for an overarching plan, of which the final phase was unleashed on July 15, 2016.

Had the coup attempt succeeded, there would have been a very different Türkiye today. Democracy would not have existed and fundamental rights and freedoms would have been suspended indefinitely. The nation would have fallen in the hands of an extremist government.

FETO not only controlled a significant portion of educational institutions but also owned numerous financial institutions. Their bank accounts were fed by prominent FETO members in industry and commerce, as well as by officials and members of the public. Many innocent civilians were also lured into contributing to FETO’s finances as their piety was manipulated. The enormous income-driven from their schools around the globe was channeled into these accounts clandestinely waiting for their ultimate move.

Following the bloody coup attempt of July 15, 2016, a resolute cleansing of the public sector, including government institutions and the military, as well as of the private sector from all FETO affiliated persons and companies was initiated.  Some prominent conspirators have been apprehended. Others escaped justice and found refuge in foreign countries.

The head of the FETO terrorist organization, Fethullah Gülen, still resides in the United States. Our government has been requesting the extradition of Gülen to Türkiye from the United States as well as that of FETO members from European countries for years. Unfortunately, these requests have not been fulfilled yet.

On the other hand, elsewhere in the world, an increasing number of governments understand the danger this terrorist organization also poses to them and are taking the necessary steps. FETO is also engaged in illegal activities such as visa fraud, money laundering, and arms trafficking. Consequently, FETO members are being cleared from public and private sectors in many countries.

Many schools affiliated with this terrorist organization abroad have been transferred to the Turkish Maarif Foundation after 2016. Today, Maarif Schools are functioning in many countries and are providing excellent education worldwide.

The nature and scope of Türkiye’s fight against FETO are no different than that exercised by other countries against organizations that had terrorized officials and civilians alike, and endangered democratic values, fundamental rights, and freedoms. Türkiye is doing what the respective countries in their fight against terrorism have done in the past. All procedures are in compliance with the law.

Terrorism does not have a nationality, ethnicity, or religion. This menace threatens humanity as a whole. Therefore, the response to this threat must be united and determined. No state has the luxury to differentiate between terrorists and no terrorist organization can be classified as “useful” according to preferences. FETO is responsible for the loss of hundreds of lives as well as other grave crimes against the Turkish people. Six years after July 15, 2016, Türkiye continues its resolute fight against FETO, just as it continues its fight against other terrorist organizations such as the PKK, PYD-YPG, DHKP-C, and DAESH.

We expect the international community to stand in solidarity with Türkiye in the fight against terrorism.

  • Mevlut Cavusoglu is theForeign Minister of the Republic of Türkiye

Last Posts

Prof. Peter Katjavivi (middle) speaks in Botswana last week at the signing of the Agreement to Amend the SADC Treaty to establish the SADC PF as an official institution of the regional bloc. Photo: Bright Khumanego

“Are we really here?” – Prof Peter Katjavivi reacts to transformation of SADC PF

Share this story

Share this storyBy Moses Magadza Gaborone, Botswana – In Luke 2:25-32, Simeon, a devout man who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen Christ, said –…

14 July 2022

The Executive Secretary of SADC, Mr. Elias Magosi (left) speaks while the Speaker of the Parliament of South Africa, Hon Thoko Didiza and Botswana’s Minister for State President, Hon. Moeti Ceaser Mohwasa listen in. Photo: Bright Kumanego

SADC urges swift ratification of Regional Parliament Treaty before August Summit

Share this story

Share this storyBy Moses Magadza Gaborone, Botswana – The Executive Secretary of SADC, Mr. Elias Magosi, has hailed the recent signing of the Agreement to amend the SADC Treaty to transform the SADC Parliamentary Forum…

14 July 2022

The Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana, Honourable Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse. Photo: Bright Khumanego, Parliament of Botswana

Botswana Speaker says SADC Regional Parliament will boost citizens’ participation

Share this story

Share this storyBy Moses Magadza Gaborone, Botswana – The Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana, Honourable Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse has said that the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a regional parliament will…

14 July 2022

ELATED: Botswana’s Minister for State President Honourable Moeti Ceaser Mohwasa (right) with the Speaker of South Africa Hon Thoko Didiza at the signing ceremony. Photo: Bright Khumanego, Parliament of Botswana.

Call to embrace SADC Parliament

Share this story

Share this story… as Botswana signs Treaty Amendment Agreement By Moses Magadza in Gaborone GABORONE- Botswana’s Minister for State President Honourable Moeti Ceaser Mohwasa, has welcomed the signing of the Agreement Amending the SADC Treaty…

14 July 2022

ussian-delegates-emerging-from-a-Meeting-in-Riyadh

Main outcomes of the Russia and United States expert groups meeting

Share this story

Share this story(March 25, 2025) 1. In line with the agreement reached by the presidents of Russia and the United States, the Russian and American sides agreed to provide for the implementation of the Black…

14 July 2022

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with Channel One on Talks in Riyadh and their Outcome

Share this story

Share this storyMoscow, March 25, 2025 Question: Let us begin with your birthday. You have received plenty of birthday wishes. There was even a “marathon” of your wonderful verses. Did you have time to look…

14 July 2022

Related Stories