Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call for the extradition of Fetullah Gulen from the US has met with criticism.<br /><br />According to a treaty signed in 1979 between the two countries Turkish authorities would first have to issue a warrant for Gulen’s arrest to start the process.<br /><br />His lawyer confirmed there is no current criminal investigation into his client. <br /><br />Erdogan had told a reporter on Tuesday authorities would start a formal process to extradite the Islamic scholar. <br /><br />The one time ally of the Turkish PM who has lived in self-imposed exile since 1999 is now seen as Erdogan’s most powerful political enemy. It’s claimed he has millions of followers.<br /><br />A corruption and bribery investigation last December led to some 50 people being detained including the sons of three government ministers. Erdogan accused Gulen of being behind the moves.<br /><br />The government responded with a crackdown on the media including a two week ban on twitter. Gulen has denied mounting a campaign against Erdogan.<br /><br />German President Joachim Gauk on a visit to Turkey has justified his comments about the style of Erdogan’s leadership.<br /><br />“I allow myself to comment about the critical issues of a society,” he said adding it is a normal thing among friends.<br /><br />Erdogan had told him he should not interfere in Turkey’s affairs.
