Turkey: File to seek Gulen's US extradition ready

By Baris Kilic

ANKARA (AA) – Prosecutors in Turkey’s capital Ankara have prepared a file for extraditing U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of leading a terrorist organization, as well as trying to infiltrate and overthrow the elected government, sources said Wednesday.

Sources from the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said the file will be sent to the Justice Ministry on Thursday, and then later to the U.S. Justice Department with a formal extradition request.

The network led by Gulen, who is self-exiled in the U.S, is accused of wiretapping senior Turkish government figures, including the former prime minister and current president, National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief, and Cabinet ministers, as well as journalists via state officials.

Last October, an Istanbul court issued an arrest warrant for Gulen after approving a 1,453-page indictment charging him with "attempting to overthrow the government of the Republic of Turkey or obstructing it from conducting its duties by force".

According to the sources, the extradition file includes Gulen’s identity, his address in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, as well as accusations and charges against him, with places, dates, and other details.