Hezmet Group Continues Mission In US Despite Gulen Extradition Request - Director

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st November, 2018) The Hizmet-affiliated group Alliance for Shared Values (ASV) will continue its mission in the United States despite requests by the Turkish government to extradite Turkish-cleric Fethullah Gulen, ASV Executive Director Alp Aslandogan told Sputnik.

The Alliance for Shared Values has been formed by a group of individuals and organizations inspired by Gulen's teachings and is associated with the Hizmet-social movement in the United States.

"The Alliance for Shared Values continues its mission to promote the values of Hizmet in the United States without any threat or restrictions," Aslandogan said. "Our affiliates and partner organizations continue their work unhindered and contribute to society."

Turkey has accused Gulen, who has been living in the United States since 1999, of orchestrating a failed military coup on July 15, 2016. Gulen has repeatedly denied taking part in the coup.

NBC news reported last week that US President Donald Trump is looking for ways to extradite Gulen from the United States to appease Turkey and ease the pressure on the government of Saudi Arabia for its alleged role in the killing of columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Aslandogan said they have not received any official information about the US government possibly looking to extradite Gulen, but the cleric has a legal team ready for any proceedings that may take place. Aslandogan added that Turkey has failed to provide the United States with evidence to support the extradition request.

Aside from threats of extradition, Gulen was confronted with a security threat at the retreat center where he resides in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania.

On October 3, US authorities responded to a security situation at the retreat center where Gulen lives after an armed guard fired a gun at a suspected armed intruder. The intruder fled the scene and no one was injured in the incident.

Aslandogan said Gulen does not intend to move from the retreat center and security there is reviewed periodically.