Turkish national indicted in Germany for alleged espionage linked to Gulen movement
Image: picture alliance/dpa
German federal prosecutors have announced the indictment of a Turkish national, identified only as Mehmet K., on charges of espionage.
The suspect is accused of spying on individuals he associated with the late cleric Fethullah Gulen, a controversial figure in Turkish politics.
In compliance with German privacy laws, Mehmet K.’s full identity has not been disclosed. Prosecutors revealed that he allegedly sent anonymous letters to Turkey’s police and intelligence services, providing information about individuals connected to Gulen’s movement.
Gulen, who once built a prominent Islamic network in Turkey and internationally, spent his later years in the United States, where he was implicated by Turkish authorities in the 2016 attempted coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Gulen consistently denied any involvement in the coup attempt.
The cleric’s death last month has reignited scrutiny over his followers, whom the Turkish government continues to view as adversaries.
Germany, home to a significant Turkish diaspora, has previously reported similar incidents of spying and intimidation targeting critics of Erdogan’s administration.
Authorities have not detained the suspect, and further legal proceedings are anticipated as German prosecutors continue their investigation into the case.
