Speaking at the FP headquarters in Malatya, Kutan said that the decision was made aginst one of the most respectable religious figures of Turkey, a man who has fermormed many imoptant deeds to serve his country. According to Kutan, the decision to arrest Gulen on the grounds that he had formed a gang was without foundation. "What kind of a gang is this?" Kutan asked. "I've never seen a one-person gang. The arrest decision is for Just one person. Let's be more realistic."

Ankara No. 2 State Security Court (DGM) issued an arrest warrant for Gulen last Friday on the request of DGM Chief Public Prosecutor Nuh Mete Yuksel. Yuksel first appealed to the Ankara No. DGM to authorize Gulen's arrest, but the request was turned down. The authorization decision was subsequently made by the Ankara No. 2 DGM, a higher court. Gulen has currently been undergoing medical treatment in the United States.

Yuksel has charged Gulen with setting up organizations intended to divide the country, under Turkish Panel Code (TCK) Articles 312 and 313.

Kutan defenned Gulen, saying that the and his sympathizers were accomplishing many important tasks abroad to promote Turkey's national interests, which state authorities are unable to do. 08.17.2000

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