Turkey: Political parties urge FETO leader extradition

By Kubilay Celik

ANKARA (AA) - The ruling and opposition parties in Turkey on Friday issued a joint statement demanding extradition of Fetullah Terrorist Organization's (FETO) leader from the U.S.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

"He continues to disseminate heretical views using the tactics of terrorist organizations such as Daesh and Al Qaeda," the statement said.

His activities are damaging bilateral relations of Turkey and the U.S. which are based on mutual trust, according to the statement.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

* Writing by Dilara Hamit