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.
