Turkey has promised to take the toughest action against the US-based cleric whom President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blames for last week's failed coup.
But it has also taken a more symbolic step -- by cutting the modest state pension of Fethullah Gulen, 75, whose Hizmet (Service) movement operates schools around the world and is also linked to media, finance and business interests.
On Wednesday the state-run Anadolu news agency reported that the Social Security Service SGK had cut Gulen's pension and cancelled all his social security rights.
He will be deprived of about 380 euros ($420) a month, said the opposition Sozcu newspaper. Gulen is believed to have substantial financial wealth.
Given the hatred that the government bears for Erdogan's one time ally, it was news to most people that Gulen even was still receiving a pension.
Erdogan has charged Gulen has sought to undermine his government by running "a state within a state" and accused him of "terrorism" by instigating Friday's bloody attempt to overthrow his government.
Gulen has denied the claims, while the US government has asked for firm evidence in reply to Ankara's request to extradite the reclusive spiritual leader from his mountain retreat in Pennsylvania.
The Sozcu newspaper reported that Gulen had received 1,283 Turkish lira (380 euros, $416) a month in October 2014 and would have received his last regular payment on Tuesday.
Anadolu also reported that the SGK would take similar measures against other coup plotters.
Turkey has promised to take the toughest action against the US-based cleric whom President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blames for last week’s failed coup.
But it has also taken a more symbolic step — by cutting the modest state pension of Fethullah Gulen, 75, whose Hizmet (Service) movement operates schools around the world and is also linked to media, finance and business interests.
On Wednesday the state-run Anadolu news agency reported that the Social Security Service SGK had cut Gulen’s pension and cancelled all his social security rights.
He will be deprived of about 380 euros ($420) a month, said the opposition Sozcu newspaper. Gulen is believed to have substantial financial wealth.
Given the hatred that the government bears for Erdogan’s one time ally, it was news to most people that Gulen even was still receiving a pension.
Erdogan has charged Gulen has sought to undermine his government by running “a state within a state” and accused him of “terrorism” by instigating Friday’s bloody attempt to overthrow his government.
Gulen has denied the claims, while the US government has asked for firm evidence in reply to Ankara’s request to extradite the reclusive spiritual leader from his mountain retreat in Pennsylvania.
The Sozcu newspaper reported that Gulen had received 1,283 Turkish lira (380 euros, $416) a month in October 2014 and would have received his last regular payment on Tuesday.
Anadolu also reported that the SGK would take similar measures against other coup plotters.
