Fethullah Gülen: Plots to Cause Turmoil Should be Aborted
Allegations published by some media organs that Fethullah Gülen took aim at the Turkish Armed Forces' top command and indirectly protested the president through media actors affiliated with him were denied by his counsel, Orhan Erdemli, who dismissed the claims.
Recalling that Gülen supported the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Erdemli stressed that the allegations were unacceptable given the well-known fact that his client had publicized his views in speeches and in writing. Erdemli's statement also called on the nation not to contribute to plots staged to cause widespread turmoil at a time when unity and solidarity are needed most urgently.
Erdemli said: "As already known, the honorable Gülen accepts different views as a source of wealth and richness and engages in scholarly and intellectual activities to maintain unity, solidarity, brotherhood and peace in our country. The activities are not of a political character and are not carried out in affiliation with certain institutions. The said activities, free of temporal political considerations, embrace every individual and institution and are focused on the promotion of national interests.
"If his writings and speeches are considered from this perspective, it will be evident to the observer that he promotes an understanding that recommends rapprochement irrespective of religion, language or race, furthers love and tolerance, dismisses hatred and enmity, encourages justice and fairness, and attracts attention to the needy and poor. His approach and teachings encourage people to exert the utmost effort to make others live, walk hand-in-hand for the prosperity of the nation and act in conformity to further national interests.
"Therefore, the allegations directed against a person who holds such views are mere products of misperceptions. His views by no means include endorsement of or opposition to the agenda of a certain institution or political party.
"The plots to cause widespread turmoil should be aborted at a time when unity and solidarity is most urgently needed. Public opinion already knows the honorable Fethullah Gülen's views and opinions vis-à-vis top state figures and our military men. In any case, those who want further details may consult my client's articles titled 'Asker' (soldier) and 'Son Karakol' (last station), published in Sizinti magazine in June 1979 and October 1980, respectively.
"We strongly believe that the public will not take the ungrounded allegations about Fethullah Gülen into serious consideration."
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