A group, Ufuk Dailogue, has strongly condemned the attempted military coup that took place in Turkey more than a week ago, insisting that there is no place for military intervention in democracy.
In a statement signed by its President, Kamil Kemanci and made available to THISDAY, Ufuk Dialogue observed that the attempted military coup to overthrow the Turkish government was an act of military aggression and injustice.
“We have always supported the development of Turkey’s democracy despite the increasing anti-democratic practices in recent years. Ufuk promotes Hizmet Movement (Golden Movement) philosophy, which has advocated for, and demonstrated commitment to peace and democracy for more than 40 years. We have consistently denounced military intervention in democratic politics,” the body said.
Ufuk said democracy, rule of law, peaceful co-existence, freedoms and human rights are the core values of Hizmet participants, adding that Ufuk Dialogue strongly condemn any attempt to overthrow an elected government by military coup.
The body said Mr. Fethullah Gulen, inspirer of the Hizmet Movement, had always advocated democracy and insisted, “there is no u-turn from democracy at every stage of his life. As someone who suffered under multiple military coups during the past five decades, it is especially insulting to be accused of having any link to such an attempt. I categorically deny such accusations.”
The statement also said President Erdogen and his close circles’ blame on the Hizmet movement was very “irresponsible and concerning. We hope that Turkey will overcome these difficult days and take this sad incident as an opportunity to strengthen its democracy. Our hearts and prayers are with all Turkish citizens and for all those in Turkey. We also stand for a free and fair democratic system for all Turkish citizens,” the statement said.
