Malaysia deports Turks wanted over alleged Gulen links

Malaysia has deported three Turkish nationals wanted by Ankara for alleged links to a US-based preacher accused of being behind a failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

National police chief Khalid Abu Bakar tweeted that the men were “deported back to Ankara” Thursday night, despite concerns from rights groups who fear Malaysia is bowing to pressure from Turkey.

Turgay Karaman and Ihsan Aslan were arrested last week under a security law which allows detention without trial for 28 days. Two days later Turkish academic Ismet Ozcelik was also detained — ostensibly for national security reasons.

“Police investigations showed they were involved in FETO activities and are wanted by Turkey,” Khalid said in a separate statement.

Turkish authorities allege last year’s coup attempt against Erdogan was masterminded by US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen and his so-called Fethullah Terror Organisation (FETO).

Khalid said the men’s travel documents had been cancelled by Ankara and so they were regarded as illegal immigrants in Malaysia.

But rights groups have said they fear Malaysia may be responding to pressure from Turkey, which has mounted a huge crackdown on perceived opponents since the failed coup.

Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said via a statement Friday that the Malaysian government’s “duplicity and crass abuse of the rights of these three men really sets this case apart.”

“It’s like Malaysia just hung a signboard around its neck that reads ‘handmaiden of Turkish repression’.”

Robertson added that Malaysia’s decision to deport the men meant that they could face possible torture and prolonged detention, followed by an unfair trial.

The UN Human Rights Office for Southeast Asia said it “condemned” the deportation.

“We have serious concerns regarding their safety upon their return to Turkey,” it said via its Facebook page.

“We have concerns that other Turkish nationals with alleged links to the Gulen movement may be similarly arrested and deported from Malaysia.”

Last week, the organisation had urged Malaysia to refrain from deporting the men to Turkey.

Erdogan’s government has detained or sacked tens of thousands of people under a state of emergency imposed after the attempted power grab.

The crackdown focuses on alleged supporters of Gulen.