FETO is a threat to Turkey and entire world

Ahmet Cemil Miroglu, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Kenya. [File, Standard]

Six years have passed since the July 15 coup attempt in Turkey carried out by Fetullah Gulen Terror Organisation (FETO). Ongoing and finalised investigations, prosecutions, and trials have shown that Fetullah Gülen is the administrator and ringleader of FETO and that he gave the order to stage the coup.

This coup attempt was planned by the FETO leadership and carried out by members of the organisation who infiltrated the Turkish army by disobeying the chain of command of the armed forces. This heinous act constitutes the deadliest terrorist attack that Turkey has ever experienced.

Tanks were driven to the streets to mow down innocent civilians, while helicopters and jets dropped bombs from the air and shot everyone in sight. That night, 251 citizens were killed and more than 2,000 people were injured.

It was the people of Turkey from all backgrounds and political views who thwarted the plot. They displayed historic solidarity as they stood bravely in front of the tanks and reclaimed their democratic rights. The foiling of the coup attempt by the Turkish people from all walks of life has been a milestone in Turkey’s democracy history. July 15 was a trial of strength for the Turkish State and its democracy. It makes us proud to have passed this test. So from that time, July 15 is commemorated as the day of Democracy and National Unity in Turkey.

Hidden behind institutions such as schools and charities, FETO has developed a broad and tightly organised esoteric cult structure – with members who completely hide their identities at all levels and unquestioningly obey the group’s leader, who has proclaimed himself the 'Imam of the Universe'.

They secretly wiretapped, blacklisted, blackmailed, and imprisoned thousands with the help of their own prosecutors and judges, and in many cases, murdered those who stood in their way. An organism that believes it has the right to use any means to achieve its ends was created. Ironically, the most important instrument of the group has become the educational institutions under its control.

Children and young people trained in the interests of the group were indoctrinated for its future goals. They eliminated – through imprisonment – dozens of civilians, judges and security officers who might resist them.

FETO, which lost its backbone in Turkey, has been trying to survive by making use of its structure abroad. It is present in around 160 countries, including Kenya, with thousands of schools, businesses, NGOs, and media houses. Their modus operandi is the same all around the world. As they aim to infiltrate and enlarge their global economic and political influence. They constitute a direct security threat to all the countries where they operate.

What happened in Turkey six years ago is a reminder of what this organisation may be capable of doing elsewhere. We paid a heavy price for conceding to their benign discourse. We do not want other countries to suffer a similar fate in the future.

The writer is the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Kenya