One of the brothers of Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, Kutbettin Gülen, who was arrested in October, has said his only crime was having the last surname as Fethullah Gülen, accused by the Turkish government of masterminding a coup attempt last year, the t24 news website reported on Monday.
Gülen’s brother, who is accused of supporting the Gülen movement, attended a hearing at the İzmir 14th High Criminal Court through the IT Voice and Image System (SEGBİS).
“I have no crime other than my last name. I have had heart disease for 20 years. I say daily prayers. I have prostate problems, and I have to relieve myself 20 to 30 times a day,” said Kutbettin Gülen.
Kutbettin Gülen’s lawyer, Hasan Özçelik, said Gülen’s brother was not a member of any association or foundation inspired by Fethullah Gülen and did not use the ByLock mobile phone app, which is claimed to be a communication tool among followers of the Gülen movement.
Özçelik said Gülen has health problems and is not able to meet his own needs.
The court decided on the continuation of Gülen’s arrest, asking for a health report from a state hospital detailing the state of his health, and postponed the hearing.