In a scathing reflection of ongoing tensions in Turkey, the death of Fethullah Gülen on October 20, 2024, has reignited waves of hate speech and heightened state-driven persecution against his followers. A recent report by the Stockholm Center for Freedom (SCF), a non-profit advocacy organization focusing on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law with a special emphasis on Turkey, sheds light on the surge of hate speech that followed Gülen’s death. Founded by exiled Turkish journalists, the SCF has long documented rights violations and hate speech under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s regime. Their latest report details the dehumanizing rhetoric and systematic persecution of Gülen’s followers, underscoring the broader implications for Turkey’s human rights record.
The Gülen Movement: From Influence to Target
Once hailed for its educational and charitable efforts worldwide, the Gülen movement—known as “Hizmet,” meaning service—has become a scapegoat in Turkey’s political narrative. Following corruption investigations in 2013 implicating President Erdoğan and his inner circle, the movement was labeled a terrorist organization, referred to derogatorily as “FETÖ” (Fethullahist Terrorist Organization). The designation marked the beginning of mass purges, arbitrary detentions, and confiscations targeting anyone with alleged ties to the movement.
Hate Speech and Media Frenzy
The SCF report highlights how Gülen’s death was met with widespread vilification in Turkish media. Pro-government outlets, such as Hürriyet, Sabah, and Yeni Şafak, used dehumanizing language, labeling him a “traitor,” “demon,” and “stateless.” Editorials and columns further inflamed tensions, with some commentators calling for punitive actions against his followers both domestically and abroad.
Even opposition outlets joined in the vitriol. Sözcü and Cumhuriyet, traditionally critical of Erdoğan, perpetuated negative rhetoric, underscoring the bipartisan hostility toward Gülen’s movement. Social media mirrored these sentiments, with prominent figures posting inflammatory remarks and antisemitic conspiracies.
Government Censorship and Crackdowns
Amid the hateful discourse, the Erdoğan government intensified its suppression of dissent. Journalists and public figures expressing condolences or using neutral language about Gülen faced detentions, fines, and accusations of disseminating “terrorist propaganda.” Turkey’s media regulatory authority, RTÜK, imposed penalties on outlets that deviated from the government’s narrative. Online platforms saw mass account bans targeting journalists and critics, further silencing opposition voices.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced investigations into over 170 social media users for allegedly praising Gülen, showcasing the state’s efforts to monitor and control digital spaces.
The Broader Implications of Hate Speech
The Stockholm Center for Freedom’s report draws parallels between the dehumanizing rhetoric against Gülen’s followers and historic atrocities like the Holocaust and the Rwandan Genocide. By eroding basic human dignity, hate speech fosters an environment where human rights abuses become normalized. The report warns that the persistent targeting of the Gülen movement may amount to crimes against humanity.
Western Media’s Divergent Perspective
In stark contrast to Turkey’s inflammatory coverage, Western media adopted a measured tone. Outlets such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC focused on Gülen’s global influence, his commitment to education and dialogue, and the unproven allegations linking him to the 2016 coup. This disparity underscores the broader divergence in how Gülen’s legacy is perceived internationally versus domestically.
Conclusion
The relentless campaign against the Gülen movement reflects the Erdoğan government’s broader strategy of consolidating power by demonizing dissenting voices. Eleven years after the initial corruption investigations and eight years after being declared a terrorist organization, the movement remains a focal point of Turkey’s divisive politics.
The Stockholm Center for Freedom emphasizes that hate speech must be opposed not merely because it is offensive but because of its profound real-world consequences. The continued persecution of the Gülen movement serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of dehumanizing rhetoric and unchecked authoritarianism.
