A/HRC/37/50/Add.2 The evolution from a religious cult into a criminal organization can be broadly examined in three phases: The first phase lasted until the military coup of September 12, 1980. During this phase, special dormitory houses (Işık Evleri- “Heavenly light houses”) and preparatory schools were established to recruit followers. In this phase, the organization concentrated also on infiltrating state institutions, in particular the critical ones such as the police. In the second phase (1980-late 1990s), the organization doubled down on educational activities. Infiltration to public institutions in high numbers began. In order to raise revenues, the organization turned itself into a quasi-corporation and formed a conglomerate (Kaynak Holding), established a bank (Bank Asya) and commenced activities in areas other than education such as health (Şifa Hospitals), transportation (Sürat Logistics), and media (Zaman newspaper, Samanyolu TV, etc). Moreover, this phase was the start of the globalization of the organization. Following the end of the Cold War, Fetullah Gülen expanded his network in Caucasia, the Central Asia and the Balkans, and eventually established presence in around 160 countries across the world. The third phase, began after the so-called post-modern coup of February 28, 1997, and ended with the infamous coup attempt of FETÖ on 15 July 2016. Faced with a judicial process incriminating him on attempting to overthrow the secular constitutional regime, Fetullah Gülen left the country in 1999, and settled in the USA3. This marked as one of the milestones in the internationalization of the organization. After departing Turkey for the United States, Gülen adopted a new rhetoric, presenting himself and his organization as an enlightened, pro-Western progressive and moderate manifestation of Islam; concentrated on such themes as “interfaith dialogue”. In the same period, the process of democratization and efforts for inclusive governance accelerated in Turkey, with the coming to power of AK Party. The governing party opened channels for conservative/religious groups to find a stronger voice in politics. Yet, Gülenists purposefully chose not to enter into politics and compete legitimately within democratic rules. Instead, they continued attempts to capture more positions in the civil service by people with a hidden allegiance to Gülen, not to the legitimate public authority. Efforts of the organization taking control of the state apparatus became stronger since mid-2000s. Members of the organizations who had already taken key positions in the judiciary and the police resorted to illegal methods to purge the opponents of the organization, including those in the army. Forged documents, faked evidences, sham trials, illegal wiretapping, blackmailing etc. were used for this purpose. 4 In short, the organization that started as a religious movement became a Parallel State Structure posing a grave threat to the democratic, secular, constitutional regime of Turkey. The Government’s efforts to eradicate this threat intensified in the last three years and the controlling power of FETÖ in most of the state institutions was eliminated. 15 July coup attempt was the last and bloodiest resort of the organization to survive in Turkey. 3 4 20 It is noteworthy that the estate he now resides (Golden Generation Worship and Retreat Center) had been purchased and transformed to become his eventual sanctuary as early as 1991. For reference, find the attached note on the Sledgehammer Trials.