Turkey: Dozens including F.Gulen risk their citizenship

By Aylin Sirikli

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey will revoke the citizenship of 130 individuals if they do not return to Turkey within three months, according to a government decision officially published Monday.

The Interior Ministry list includes Fetullah Gulen -- who is accused of leading the failed July 2016 coup that martyred 250 people – as well as opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Deputies Faysal Sariyildiz and Fatma Hezer Ozturk.

Gulen, who has lived in the U.S. since 1999, has been charged by Turkish prosecutors with forming an armed terrorist organization as well as with orchestrating the failed coup.

Ankara has accused Gulen’s Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Sariyildiz stands accused of providing weapons for a terrorist group, while Ozturk is accused of spreading terrorist propaganda and membership in an armed terrorist organization.

The ministry also named Osman Hilmi Ozdil, allegedly a senior member of FETO in charge of its police infiltration, as wanted by authorities. He is thought to be in Thailand.

According to the ministry list, former Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) Deputy Ozdal Ucer could also lose his citizenship unless he returns.

The 130 individuals -- all being sought by Turkish authorities -- face terrorism-related charges and crimes against Turkey’s constitutional order.