Turkish diplomats spied on critics in Hungary – report

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. His diplomats have been monitoring Erdogan regime opponents, Nordic Monitor claims. (AFP/File)
Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. His diplomats have been monitoring Erdogan regime opponents, Nordic Monitor claims. (AFP/File)
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Updated 04 January 2021
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Turkish diplomats spied on critics in Hungary – report

Turkish diplomats spied on critics in Hungary – report
  • List of 12 people accused of supporting the exiled Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen sent from Hungary to Ankara, the Nordic Monitor reports
  • Names then faced charges in 'terrorism' case brought by prosecutors

LONDON: Diplomats in Turkey’s Budapest embassy monitored alleged opponents of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a news website has reported.

A list of 12 people accused of supporting the exiled Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen was sent from Hungary to the foreign ministry in Ankara, the Nordic Monitor reported.

The list was used as part of a prosecution of the critics launched in December 2018 accusing them of being part of a terrorist group, the website claimed, citing judicial documents.

The 12 people were described as Turkish teachers, businessmen and their family members living in Hungary. 

The anti-Erdogan website said the operation is part of a widespread Turkish campaign to target government opponents in foreign countries using staff at embassies and consulates.

Turkey accuses Gulen, who is based in the US, of masterminding a failed coup in 2016 through his vast network of supporters. Erdogan launched a widespread crackdown against his movement, arresting tens of thousands of people.