Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call for the extradition of Fetullah Gulen from the US has met with criticism.
According to a treaty signed in 1979 between the two countries Turkish authorities would first have to issue a warrant for Gulen’s arrest to start the process.
His lawyer confirmed there is no current criminal investigation into his client.
Erdogan had told a reporter on Tuesday authorities would start a formal process to extradite the Islamic scholar.
The one time ally of the Turkish PM who has lived in self-imposed exile since 1999 is now seen as Erdogan’s most powerful political enemy. It’s claimed he has millions of followers.
A corruption and bribery investigation last December led to some 50 people being detained including the sons of three government ministers. Erdogan accused Gulen of being behind the moves.
The government responded with a crackdown on the media including a two week ban on twitter. Gulen has denied mounting a campaign against Erdogan.
German President Joachim Gauk on a visit to Turkey has justified his comments about the style of Erdogan’s leadership.
“I allow myself to comment about the critical issues of a society,” he said adding it is a normal thing among friends.
Erdogan had told him he should not interfere in Turkey’s affairs.
