Fethullah Gülen Trial Opens in Ankara
An Islamic preacher faced trial in absentia on Monday in a case Turks hope will reveal his true identity: an Islamic leader planning to overthrow Turkey's government or a benefactor preaching peace, dialogue and tolerance.
State prosecutors accuse Fethullah Gülen of leading an Islamic brotherhood that secretly aimed to topple Turkey's secular system and establish an Islamic state. They say he systematically planted followers in key positions within the civil service and runs schools to brainwash youngsters.
Gülen, 62, is considered the leader of a branch of the Islamic Nur movement, established by Said Nursi, although he says he has no official title. He has a large following among Turks and some people from other countries, who regard him as a moderate Islamic figure.
Gülen has denied the charges. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison if found guilty of forming and leading a criminal group aiming to overthrow the state.
Secularism is rigorously enforced in Turkey, an overwhelmingly Muslim country, and the powerful military has been pressing the government to crack down against political Islam.
In the first hearing on Monday, Judge Huseyin- Eken accepted a demand by the mother of a youth, once a member of the brotherhood, to take part in the case as a civil plaintiff. Arife Kayar claimed her son was brainwashed by the group and that the family was harassed and threatened by members when he attempted to leave.
Gülen, who is currently residing in the United States, did not attend the hearing and his lawyer presented a medical report stating that Gülen suffers from heart trouble and diabetes.
The authorities began investigating Gülen two years ago after Turkish television stations aired a videotape in which Gülen appeared to be urging his followers to keep a low-profile before attempting an uprising. It is not clear who released the tape to the stations.
"Gülen's true face should finally be revealed. His secret aims should be brought to light," claimed Gulseven Yaser, head of the militant pro-secular Contemporary Education Association. The judge rejected a request by Yaser and several other groups to be civil parties to the trial.
Eken adjourned the trial until Dec. 4, to give the court time to confirm Gülen's address in the United States and to gather written testimonies.
Gülen's movement owns hundreds of schools in Turkey and Central Asia and has ties with leading political parties, which court the votes of his followers. 10.17.2000
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