Triumph of democracy over terrorism: A commemoration

By Kerem Alp 

On July 15, 2016, a new generation terrorist organisation attempted to overthrow the democratic institutions in Turkey. Its aim was to capture the state apparatus and seize power. Years of infiltration, subversion and sabotage surfaced as a violent coup attempt. 

Yet, these terrorists underestimated how much the Turkish nation was attached to the gift of the founder of the Republic: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and a country where the will of the people is what matters the most. Hundreds of civilians sacrificed their lives and thousands injured to keep democracy and the rule of law in Turkey. On this Day of Democracy and National Unity, we solemnly salute them for their sacrifice. 

The coup attempt was planned by Fetullah Gülen, the self-declared "imam of the universe", and carried out by members of his FETO terrorist organisation. These terrorists infiltrated into the Army by disobeying the chain of command. Their primary target was to capture or assassinate HE President Erdogan. They used military weapons on the Presidential complex, the Parliament, buildings of the National Police, the Headquarters of the Police Special Ops Department and the National Intelligence Organisation. 

Tanks were driven to the streets to mow down innocent civilians. Helicopters and jets dropped bombs from the air and shot law enforcement officials and civilians without discrimination. Two hundred and fifty one Turkish citizens were killed and more than 200,000 people were injured. 

However, Turkish people determinedly stood against this threat and demonstrated to the world that they would never recognise any power over their will. Citizens stood ready to sacrifice their lives to protect their State and the democratic system. 

This coup attempt revealed the grave threat posed by FETO. By brainwashing young minds at schools founded under the disguise of so-called training activities, FETO had in fact indoctrinated a large group of radical followers. Graduates of these schools were able to infiltrate the most critical institutions of the State by stealing exam questions. At the same time, non-affiliated candidates were treacherously eliminated.

These radicals carried out the instructions of the organisation's leadership unquestioningly and violated all legal and moral norms. 

In the past three years, eradicating FETO both inside and outside Turkey has constituted one of the main priorities of our State. The perpetrators of the coup attempt have been brought to justice based on the rule of law. 

FETO's organisational structure within governmental institutions has been unveiled. Judicial procedures were initiated against its members and the "parallel state structure" was dismantled. 

As these developments took place, FETO has undergone a transformation. The organisation, which lost its backbone in Turkey, is now trying to survive by making use of its structures abroad. 

FETO continues to pose a threat to the security of other countries where it remains active. It does not hesitate to violate laws by acting almost like a secretive intelligence service. It aims to establish political and economic zones of influence that results in a separate chain of command within the state (hence the term "parallel state structure"). 

In order to prevent any shortfalls resulting from the steps taken against FETO, especially in the field of education, the Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMF) maintains its activities around the world. 

The international community gradually understands that FETO is not a social movement nor a charity organisation. Rather, it is a dark and insidious network with political and economic ambitions. 

The awareness raised regarding FETO in third countries has stimulated closer monitoring and investigation. Hundreds of FETO-affiliated schools and institutions have been closed in more than 40 countries and hundreds of FETO members from over 20 countries have been extradited to Turkey. 

Our efforts for fully eliminating the structures of FETO abroad constitutes a long-term engagement. The Turkish Government will resolutely maintain its efforts in that regard. 

We count on the support of our allies and friends like Uganda to eradicate this new generation terrorist organisation from our democracies. 

The writer is the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Uganda