Turkish-born Turkish preacher Fathullah Gulen, who is accused by Ankara of being the mastermind of the failed coup d'etat on July 15, 2016, said he did not believe his extradition to Turkey in an interview with France 24.
"I do not believe in this threat, because whatever the personal opinion (of President Donald Trump) I do not think he would risk distorting the reputation of the United States in the world and complying with the irrational Turkish president's demands," Gulen said.
Ankara, which on July 15 marked the first anniversary of the failed coup, demands Gulen's extradition, accusing him of being behind this attempt and chasing his supporters: 50,000 people have been arrested and more than 100,000 have been fired.
"Erdogan is trying to use the failed coup to further oppress the movement," he said, calling for the creation of an international commission of inquiry comprising members of NATO, the International Criminal Court and the European Parliament.
"I have to buy a ticket to leave this country," Gulen said.
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