Turkish cleric and 68 others on trial for accusing Erdogan’s son of corruption

[webfact]

Turkish cleric and 68 others on trial for accusing Erdogan’s son of corruption



ISTANBUL: -- The trial of a US based Muslim cleric has opened in Istanbul.

Fethullah Gulen, a former ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is one of 69 accused of attempting to overthrow the government.

Also in the dock are dozens of former police officers and members of the judiciary who launched corruption allegations against the president’s inner circle including his son Bilal.

Supporters of Gulen claim the charges are trumped up.

Nurullah Albayrak is the lawyer for Fethullah Gulen:
“The only concrete evidence presented in court regarding the charges is the investigation files into a corruption case of December 2013. There is nothing regarding force or violence. The weapons presented to prove the formation of a terrorist group belonged to the police.’‘

Fethullah Gulen, who still wields influence in Turkey, was not present in court because Washington refused an extradition request from Ankara.

Euronews correspondent Bora Bayraktar is in Istanbul.

“There was a heavy security presence outside the court, but members of the Gulen movement failed to show up. So the trial in which the president is a complainant got off to an understated start.’‘


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-01-07

[shirtless]

If the shoe fits wear it , Turkey is run by this corrupt family. I hope they are stupid enough to shoot down another Russian plane

[ggt]

It is a dangerous game for the public to call out government officials for corruption...and not just in Turkey...

[Seastallion]

It is a dangerous game for the public to call out government officials for corruption...and not just in Turkey...

My first thought too.

Living in Thailand, are you?

[kiwikeith]

If the shoe fits wear it , Turkey is run by this corrupt family. I hope they are stupid enough to shoot down another Russian plane

Backed by the Saudi's , USA, and oil sales that don't exist, training ISIS recruits that does not happen because we call them fighters against the ASSAD regime which also does not exist.

Another thing that also does not exist is the multi billion dollar arms contracts to Saudi that supports ISIS.

Turkey one place that will never be on my bucket list, infact the whole middle East is not on most sane peoples bucket list these days.

Corruption these days has never been so rife, the world is a mad house and it looks like it will only get worse.

[Ulic]

And Turkey thinks it is ready and should be able to join the EU. Ridiculous.

[spidermike007]

A despotic regime does not like to be called out for its crimes and its abuse of power. Erdogan has become a despot. Reminds one of some people closer to home. We all recall the efforts of the recent whistle blower who researched the park project, and found a high ranking general guilty of some serious crimes. He is currently in exile overseas, for good reason.

it is so easy these days to use ridiculous laws, to accuse people of a crime, who are merely not supportive of a desperate leader. The LM laws come to mind. As time goes on, the lack of nobility and elegance, and the ability to wear ones power lightly, is revealing itself, on a daily basis.