The ousted chair of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) reaffirmed that he is planning to found a new party next month.

Özgür Özel sought to end speculations about his political future in an interview with pro-CHP Sözcü TV on Wednesday, two days after he told journalists that he decided on the name of the new party before adding “just kidding!”

He appeared serious this time, telling the broadcaster that preparations were underway for the new political party. He said any formal step would wait until after ongoing legal proceedings. In May, Özel was ousted from office when a court annulled CHP’s 2023 congress that elected Özel as chairperson, citing allegations of fraud in favor of Özel in that vote. The court verdict also reinstated Özel’s predecessor, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. He was quick to proceed with his plans to restore the party’s image stained with allegations of corruption engulfing CHP mayors and Özel himself.

Özel’s supporters branded Kılıçdaroğlu as a “traitor” who sought to hinder CHP’s ambitions to win the next presidential race under Özel. Meanwhile, he repeatedly called on the Kılıçdaroğlu administration to hold another party congress, believing that he would win the intraparty election again. Currently, the party is practically divided into two, one camp supporting Kılıçdaroğlu and another one supporting Özel, who now holds the title of CHP’s parliamentary group chair.

Kılıçdaroğlu said in a recent interview that he opposed the split within the party. The Özel camp says that the former leader has a better chance in the next presidential election scheduled for 2028, based on opinion polls, while Kılıçdaroğlu, almost every week, removes the party’s top figures pledging loyalty to Özel through disciplinary action. The expulsions, at times, led to violent confrontations between supporters of Özel and Kılıçdaroğlu. In some provinces, provincial chairs of the party removed from their post by the Kılıçdaroğlu administration for their loyalty to Özel, refused to leave the office.

Özel said the legal proceedings on an appeal to the ruling that ousted his leadership and a request to hold an extraordinary party congress could be completed within ⁠a ⁠couple of weeks, and if they are blocked, a new party could then be set up.

“A formal step could be taken toward the end of July or the beginning of August,” Özel said when asked about the timing ⁠of the establishment of the new party.

He has been discreet about the new party as rumors were swirling and only hinted at it in speeches as he launched a campaign against the current CHP administration. The Özel camp has been quick to shoot down rumors that they would join an existing party instead of establishing a new one while Özel prioritized staying within CHP, to the chagrin of some supporters who urged him to act swiftly before losing the potential to run in the next general election.

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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said Wednesday that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership and the Turkish people’s unity were decisive in defeating the failed July 15, 2016 coup attempt, describing the events as a defining moment in Türkiye’s modern history.

In a message marking Türkiye’s Democracy and National Unity Day, Aliyev commemorated those killed while resisting the coup attempt and extended his condolences to their families and the Turkish people.

Aliyev described July 15 as one of the most tragic as well as one of the most honorable chapters in Türkiye’s recent history, saying the attempted coup targeted the country’s constitutional order, democratic institutions and national will.

He said the attempt was thwarted through what he called the Turkish people’s determination, courage and commitment to their country, citing Erdoğan’s leadership in helping steer Türkiye through the crisis.

Referring to the Turkish leader, “Your determined and farsighted leadership, together with the unity of your people around you and their immediate response to your calls, became one of the main factors that saved your country from a great disaster on that critical night,” Aliyev said in the message.

He added that Türkiye emerged stronger from the failed coup attempt and demonstrated the strength of its national will and state traditions.

Azerbaijani president said the events of July 15 showed that attempts to undermine the state could not succeed in the face of unity between the nation and the government. He described the annual commemoration as a symbol of the Turkish people’s solidarity, resilience and commitment to democratic institutions.

Reaffirming Azerbaijan’s support for Türkiye, Aliyev underlined that Baku stood in solidarity with Ankara during the coup attempt under the principle of “One nation, two states.”

He said that solidarity reflected the enduring brotherhood between the two countries and expressed confidence that their strategic alliance would continue to deepen through joint efforts.

Aliyev concluded his message by wishing Erdoğan good health and continued success, while expressing hopes for lasting peace, stability and prosperity for Türkiye.

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Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said Thursday that civil society organizations must operate transparently and remain subject to legal oversight regarding an ongoing investigation into the Ahbap charity, while authorities continue a probe into alleged financial crimes involving several members of the organization.

Speaking at the Judicial Evaluation Meeting attended by chief public prosecutors and heads of judicial commissions from all 81 provinces, Gürlek emphasized that no organization operating on public trust is exempt from state oversight.

“Civil society cannot serve as a shield from legal scrutiny, arbitrary conduct or the management of public trust without accountability,” Gürlek said. “The spirit of solidarity cannot be abused. For nongovernmental organizations, transparency is not a matter of preference but a legal and moral obligation.”

The minister said the investigation into allegations concerning the use of donations collected through civil society activities demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting public trust. He added that organizations working alongside the government during disasters and humanitarian crises remain valuable partners, but stressed that every donation must be fully accountable.

Gürlek also noted judicial authorities would conduct the investigation impartially and on the basis of evidence, rejecting attempts to influence the courts through social media campaigns or political pressure.

His remarks came days after prosecutors overseeing the Ahbap investigation announced the arrest of 14 suspects, including the charity’s founder, musician Haluk Levent.

According to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, 25 suspects were referred to court following an investigation coordinated by the Financial Crimes Division of the Istanbul Police Department into allegations including establishing a criminal organization, aggravated fraud and laundering proceeds of crime.

Prosecutors said financial crime investigators examined banking records, Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) reports, account transactions and surveillance findings. Authorities alleged that several suspects conducted financial transactions inconsistent with their declared income, transferred large sums of money among themselves, lost substantial amounts through betting activities and carried out multiple property transfers within a short period.

Nineteen suspects were referred to court with requests for arrest, while six were referred under judicial control measures. Courts ordered the arrest of 14 suspects.

Crackdown on organized crime

Moreover, the minister also pledged to intensify the government’s fight against organized crime groups and illegal betting networks, remarking that authorities will target both criminal organizations and their financial infrastructure.

He said authorities would not tolerate criminal groups that recruit children and young people, spread fear in neighborhoods, or glorify violence and firearms. Beyond arresting gang leaders and members, prosecutors are also investigating criminal organizations’ financial resources, weapons supply networks and assets obtained through drug trafficking and other illicit activities.

“We will not leave our streets to criminal organizations,” Gürlek stressed, adding that close coordination between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies has helped narrow the operational space of street gangs and disrupt their funding sources.

Gürlek also described illegal betting and online gambling as a multidimensional threat that harms families, fuels addiction among young people and provides financing for organized crime.

He said the government’s strategy extends beyond prosecuting suspects to dismantling the financial networks behind the operations. Authorities are strengthening measures to prevent bank accounts and mobile phone lines from being used for criminal purposes, reinforcing cybercrime investigation units within prosecutors’ offices and closely monitoring financial flows involving cryptocurrencies, electronic payment institutions and social media advertisements.

The minister said authorities remain committed to exposing the financial structures behind illegal betting operations and confiscating proceeds generated through criminal activity.

Fight against FETÖ

During his speech, Gürlek reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), saying authorities would maintain investigations into the group’s current structure, financial resources, clandestine networks, safe houses and overseas connections, stressing that all judicial proceedings would be based on concrete evidence and respect the right to a fair trial.

He described FETÖ as more than a terrorist group, accusing it of infiltrating state institutions and attempting to manipulate the judiciary, education system and security apparatus for its own interests.

“The Republic of Türkiye will never allow any tutelage, parallel structure or terrorist group to prevail over the will of the nation,” he said.

Modernizing judiciary

The minister also highlighted recent reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of the judicial system, citing investments in new courthouse facilities and digital platforms, including the National Judiciary Informatics System (UYAP), e-hearings and the Video Conference System (SEGBİS).

Gürlek said amendments to the execution of sentences were introduced to address public concerns over perceived impunity, including requirements that offenders serve a minimum portion of their prison terms before becoming eligible for supervised release and revised sentencing rules for repeat offenders.

He said the reforms are intended to strengthen public confidence in the justice system while ensuring effective investigations, fair trials, protection of victims’ rights and the rehabilitation of convicted offenders.

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A witness in an investigation into an alleged plot targeting the wife of Türkiye’s justice minister told prosecutors that two suspects discussed payment for carrying out the planned attack. The account, which investigators say is consistent with cash seized during police raids, emerged after two suspects were arrested pending trial, according to a report by Sabah newspaper.

The investigation, led by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, was launched after an anonymous complaint was submitted through Türkiye’s Presidential Communication Center (CİMER), authorities said.

Prosecutors allege that suspects Uğur Yılmaz and Yavuz Canbaşı were preparing a “high-profile action” targeting Elif Gülşah Gürlek, the wife of Justice Minister Akın Gürlek. The suspects were arrested pending trial.

According to the witness’s testimony, the individual overheard several men discussing travel plans abroad while mentioning Elif Gülşah Gürlek by name. The witness said the conversation raised suspicions after recognizing the surname as that of the justice minister and later reported the matter to authorities.

The witness told investigators that Canbaşı was engaged in a video call with a man later identified as Yılmaz. According to the testimony, Canbaşı allegedly requested TL 250,000 (nearly $6,000) for carrying out the planned attack, while Yılmaz allegedly replied: “I’ll give you TL 1.5 million after the job is done. The money is ready.”

Meanwhile, investigators later seized TL 1.748 million in cash during a search of Yılmaz’s residence. The amount has drawn attention because prosecutors say it closely matches the payment allegedly discussed in the witness statement. Overall, police said more than TL 3.2 million in cash and several unlicensed firearms were seized during the operation.

In his police statement, Yılmaz denied any involvement in an alleged assassination plot.

He also denied the allegation that he promised payment for the attack and claimed the cash found at his home came from the sale of a vehicle.

When asked why he refused to provide the password to his mobile phone, Yılmaz reportedly told investigators it contained private photographs of himself and his girlfriend.

Authorities also allege that Yılmaz and Canbaşı recruited individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 on behalf of domestic and international organized crime groups. Investigators claim those recruits were later used to carry out armed attacks and shootings.

The investigation remains ongoing; both suspects remain in custody pending further judicial proceedings.

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The Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) left its low-ranking members to fend for themselves after counterterrorism operations in Türkiye reduced its clout. Its high-ranking figures, however, enjoy a comfortable life in the U.S. The country, where the now-deceased FETÖ leader Fetullah Gülen lived for decades, became a safe haven for the group, especially after 2014. Starting that year, when it came under fresh scrutiny in Türkiye, the terrorist group helped its top figures to flee abroad. The Western countries embraced them.

Top cadres of FETÖ and their families have been living as fugitives since then, but theirs have been more comfortable compared to those of other crimes. They managed to secure long-term residence permits and a life of luxury, as indicated by photos and images of their posh residences and wedding ceremonies of FETÖ members abroad.

In the meantime, influential names of FETÖ abroad advised “patience” to other members facing legal proceedings in Türkiye and told them that the prison terms they were handed down and their life in hiding were just “an earthly test,” tapping into religious jargon the group skillfully used for years to disguise its ambitions to seize power. The stark divide between the lives of those abroad and those imprisoned in Türkiye eventually led to infighting in the group, with criticism mounting against “elder brothers” living comfortably in the United States from low-ranking members.

Among those living in the United States are Barbaros Kocakurt, a member of FETÖ’s so-called “executive council,” and Ismail Büyükçelebi, another top figure of the group, who are currently on trial in Türkiye. Both men and their families live in New Jersey, U.S. New Jersey is also home to the family of Adil Öksüz, a former lecturer who orchestrated the 2016 coup attempt of FETÖ with military infiltrators. Abdülhadi Yıldırım, the brother-in-law of Öksüz who lives in the United States, purchased the new residence of the Öksüz family with funds from FETÖ. The family of Hakan Çiçek, another civilian who helped mastermind the coup attempt with Öksüz, also lives in the U.S., financing their lives with FETÖ funds.

FETÖ’s top figures turned to commerce to fund the group in the U.S. and are active in several businesses, from IT companies to furniture and food companies. Temel Alsancak, Osman Hilmi Özdil, Hamza Sevinç, Özcan Aytuluner and Ismail Kokuroğlu are just a few FETÖ figures who set up businesses in the U.S. Their capital was also provided by FETÖ’s own funds, believed to be created through past donations by unsuspecting sympathizers of the group.

The terrorist group also pays “salaries” to its top names, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, according to the security sources. The 12 members of the “executive council” of FETÖ are among the highest-paid figures of the terrorist group.

After the 2024 death of Fetullah Gülen, however, the terrorist group has been embroiled in internal strife, which manifested itself in social media battles between members. Losing its central authority after the failure of the coup, the terrorist group appears to be heading into a dissolution process.

The leadership struggles and deep internal rifts that had long been concealed within the group’s senior ranks became fully exposed after Gülen’s death.

Power struggle

A fierce power struggle has emerged between the group known as the “mollas,” which seeks to control the group’s vast financial resources and administrative structure, and its Europe- and U.S.-based factions.

In particular, the rivalry over the distribution of power between senior figures such as Cevdet Türkyolu, regarded as Gülen’s closest confidant, and Mustafa Özcan, who is said to have overseen the group’s financial network, has triggered a major crisis of confidence among members, accompanied by mutual accusations of internal purges.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Aymaz, a key figure in FETÖ’s European network, has reportedly been working to consolidate control over its financial and operational activities across Europe.

Disputes over the management of multimillion-dollar real estate holdings and the group’s international education network have divided it into regional power centers.

As rank-and-file members have begun to lose their loyalty to FETÖ and financial contributions have declined, ownership disputes have erupted over schools and foundations operating internationally.

Following Gülen’s death, disintegration within the lower ranks accelerated, while allegations of corruption and the embezzlement of organizational funds evolved into public exchanges and mutual accusations on social media.

Social media posts in which senior members accuse one another of corruption, misappropriating funds and collaborating with foreign intelligence services in an effort to gain control of foundation assets and real estate reportedly worth billions of dollars have highlighted the scale of the group’s internal breakdown and what supporters of this view describe as an ongoing process of fragmentation.

Former members have also begun publishing documents related to previously concealed clandestine operations, alleged blackmail materials, and claims of internal misconduct through social media platforms. According to these accounts, the disclosures have exposed FETÖ’s past activities while demonstrating that trust and loyalty within its ranks have largely collapsed.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who was first targeted by the group while he was serving as intelligence chief, said the group’s date of expiration is long overdue.

Fidan said they continue to work around the clock to prevent FETÖ from carrying out illegitimate activities, espionage, and actions aimed against Türkiye in the countries where the group operates.

“FETÖ is now a group whose period of usefulness has come to an end. Despite this, it continues its struggle against the state. It continues its campaign against the leaders elected by the people to govern the country. In doing so, it also cooperates with international malign power centers. This is a disgrace. At present, the group’s leaders are effectively holding a group of people hostage. These individuals are living in exile abroad. They need to wake up, break free from the illusion they have been living under, rediscover genuine love for their homeland, embrace true religious belief and practice, renew their loyalty to their nation and state, and stand up against the group. As long as they do not rebel against the group, it will continue to exploit their existence to serve foreign intelligence services and maintain its value in the eyes of those actors,” Fidan stated.

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The failed July 15, 2016 coup attempt was not a plan improvised in a single night but the culmination of months of preparation that accelerated after Türkiye’s Nov. 1, 2015 general election, according to court files and findings from official investigations into the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ).

The terrorist group had spent years infiltrating state institutions under the guise of religious, educational and charitable activities before shifting toward an attempt to seize state power through military force.

After the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) regained its parliamentary majority in the Nov. 1 election, FETÖ concluded that its efforts to expand political influence through bureaucratic networks had failed, prompting senior members of the group to move forward with plans for a military coup.

Coup planning begins

Preparations began in November 2015 with meetings involving key civilian coordinators, including Adil Öksüz and Kemal Batmaz, who are considered central figures responsible for coordinating the group’s military structure.

Several meetings were held in Pennsylvania, where Gülen was living at the time, as well as in Ankara and Istanbul. At least 23 high-level planning meetings were held connected to the coup preparations.

The first meeting took place on Nov. 14-15, 2015, in Pennsylvania. Following that meeting, Öksüz, Batmaz, Hakan Çiçek, Nurettin Oruç, Harun Biniş and Özcan Aytuluner allegedly formed a coordination group responsible for implementing the coup plan.

Between late December 2015 and March 2016, a series of meetings with military officers were held in Ankara. Reports from those gatherings were regularly delivered to senior FETÖ figures in Pennsylvania through repeated visits by Öksüz and Batmaz.

Planning intensified in the spring of 2016. Additional meetings involving FETÖ-linked military personnel were held in Ankara between March and June to finalize operational details.

Final order from Pennsylvania

Öksüz, Batmaz and Oruç traveled again to Pennsylvania between June 20 and June 25, 2016, where they received final instructions before returning to Türkiye.

The final phase of preparations reportedly took place in early July. Prosecutors say Öksüz chaired four consecutive meetings with senior military officers in Ankara from July 6 to July 9 to finalize assignments and operational plans for the coup attempt.

Öksüz and Batmaz then traveled once more to Pennsylvania on July 12, according to court records, before returning to Türkiye shortly afterward.

Coup set in motion

Simultaneous coordination meetings continued between July 12 and July 15 at military facilities in Ankara and Istanbul, including Maltepe Barracks, the Air Force Academy and the Air War College. Numerous officers gathered at those locations despite having no official assignment there.

On July 14, civilian coordinators allegedly relocated to Ankara for final preparations ahead of the operation.

The coup attempt began on the evening of July 15, 2016, when rogue military personnel linked to FETÖ deployed tanks, fighter jets and helicopters against state institutions and civilians.

Call for resistance

Shortly after, F-16 fighter jets commanded by putschists started flying low above the capital. Soon, images and videos of soldiers closing down two key bridges in Istanbul were everywhere. At 11:02 p.m., Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım announced an “illegal action” against the government in a live call with broadcaster NTV and vowed a response. At 11:05 p.m., the Chief Prosecutor’s Office in Ankara announced an investigation against the coup attempt.

The putschists taking over public broadcaster TRT also forced a presenter to announce that “the Turkish army took over administration.”

Moreover, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appeared in a video call to broadcaster CNN Türk and made a historic speech, calling the nation to the streets against the putschists.

The attempt was thwarted after resistance from security forces and civilians who responded to calls to defend the elected government. According to official figures, 251 people were killed and more than 2,700 others were wounded during the failed coup attempt. Turkish authorities have since carried out extensive judicial proceedings against thousands of suspects accused of involvement in the plot.

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