Türkiye updates extradition requests for FETÖ suspects: Justice minister

Turkey has intensified its efforts to secure the extradition of high-ranking members of the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ) following the failed 2016 coup attempt. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek confirmed that updated extradition requests have been submitted to 119 countries, focusing on individuals believed to be part of FETÖ’s leadership structure. These requests include newly compiled evidence and revised legal documents aimed at strengthening Turkey’s case against these fugitives.

Gürlek stated that the Justice Ministry has submitted a total of 2,950 extradition requests involving 2,765 individuals suspected of ties to FETÖ and the People's Protection Units (PYD). These requests have been directed primarily toward European nations and the United States, with Germany receiving the highest number—777 cases—followed by the U.S. with 728 and Belgium with 142. Despite these efforts, many of the requests have faced rejection or remain unresolved. For instance, Germany has denied 519 of the submissions, while the U.S. has yet to resolve 355 cases.

The failed July 15, 2016, coup attempt, which resulted in over 250 deaths and thousands of injuries, led to the designation of FETÖ as a terrorist organization by the Turkish government. Since then, numerous members of the group have fled abroad, seeking refuge in countries where they might avoid prosecution. Turkish authorities claim that FETÖ infiltrated key sectors of the state, including the military, judiciary, and various ministries, positioning its members in strategic roles before the coup. After the failed attempt, thousands of individuals associated with the group were dismissed from public service.

One of the major challenges in securing the extradition of FETÖ members lies in the stance of Interpol. Although Turkey has repeatedly requested Red Notices for wanted individuals, none have been approved due to a 2018 decision by Interpol’s Executive Committee. That decision suggested that FETÖ-related cases could fall under Article 3 of Interpol’s constitution, which prohibits interference in politically sensitive matters. As a result, many countries have cited concerns about political motivations, potential mistreatment, or asylum claims when denying extradition requests. According to Turkish officials, 1,072 of the extradition applications have received negative responses, with only a few successful cases, including two from Romania and one from Algeria.

Despite these hurdles, Turkish authorities continue to emphasize the importance of international cooperation in combating FETÖ. Justice Minister Gürlek highlighted that Turkey remains one of the most active contributors to Interpol’s operations and urged greater collaboration from global partners. He stressed that the fight against FETÖ has become increasingly international, given that the group’s leadership is now based abroad. Gürlek mentioned that Ankara plans to maintain pressure on countries, especially the U.S. and European states, to assist in the extradition process. Additionally, Turkish officials are monitoring FETÖ’s ongoing activities, including recruitment strategies and financial networks, noting that the organization continues to adapt and restructure itself.

Among the individuals targeted by Turkey are several high-profile figures accused of playing crucial roles in FETÖ. Some of these individuals reside in the U.S., including names such as Cevdet Türkyolu, Mustafa Özcan, Ahmet Kara, Şerif Ali Tekalan, and İsmail Büyükçelebi. Turkish authorities have expressed a strong desire to see these individuals brought to justice, believing that their presence abroad poses a continued threat to national security. The renewed focus on extradition efforts underscores Turkey’s determination to hold accountable those it believes are responsible for the 2016 coup and other alleged criminal activities attributed to FETÖ.