Nazlı Ilıcak's statement: 'I am a person who has stood against injustices': I was mistaken about the Fethullahists

Nazlı Ilıcak made assessments years later regarding the period she spent in prison following the July 15 coup attempt. Stating that she was mistaken about the Fethullahists, whom she once supported, Ilıcak said, "I hit a wall on July 15."

FETÖ STATEMENT FROM NAZLI ILICAK YEARS LATER

Speaking to Emir Bekir Yaşar from Medyascope two years after her release from prison, former Virtue Party (Fazilet Partisi) deputy and Bugün newspaper columnist Nazlı Ilıcak made statements regarding her relationship with the Fethullahists and her period of incarceration.

Admitting that she was mistaken about this structure, Ilıcak criticized the influence of religious sects on public institutions and emphasized the importance of the merit principle.

"I CONSIDERED IT A GUARANTEE"

"My mistake is not limited to a single organization. I was very wrong about religious people. I used to think that religious people would not do evil because of their fear of God. I was of the opinion that religious people were being mistreated in Turkey," said Ilıcak, who continued:

"Indeed, the February 28 process showed that I was right. Discrimination against those wearing headscarves and those from Imam Hatip schools reached its peak. There was an attempt to block Tayyip Erdoğan's path in politics. Judicial tutelage, military tutelage... I was complaining about these; I fought against them. But I see that we have not reached a better point now. It seems I considered the wrong reference a guarantee for Turkey's future."

"Political and social events are full of surprises. Without thinking of any personal gain, I only supported developments that I assumed would be good for my country. I tried to be an ethical journalist. I did not knowingly or willingly do evil to anyone. But of course, I was mistaken from time to time. This is no exception in our profession."

Contractor convicted of fraud received his award from Erdoğan's hands! Contractor convicted of fraud received his award from Erdoğan's hands!

"I AGREE WITH THE STATE'S DEFINITION OF FETÖ"

Regarding her current thoughts on FETÖ, Ilıcak explained: "Before July 15, the Gülen community was not referred to as a terrorist organization. This is a fact. It was called a 'parallel structure.' After the coup, because some members of the community were involved in the July 15 incident, the name 'FETÖ' was attached. Since I worked at Bugün, I was also accused of being a member of this organization," and continued:

"The statement, 'If I had known that the media outlets where I wrote articles and produced programs were operating in line with a terrorist organization, I would not have been there,' is the answer given to a question in this direction. In the chaos of July 15, the prosecutor makes such an allegation against me. And I answer, 'I did not know that these media outlets had such a structure; if I had known, I certainly would not have worked there.'"

"Of course, today we have much more comprehensive information. July 15 is still a mystery to me. There are things told by a former community member named Ahmet Dönmez; there are statements of defendants in courts. It takes some time for a comprehensive assessment."

"Indeed, there is a secret structure, and through them, some soldiers and civilians close to the community were involved in this business. If only the secret structure had been punished, I would have no objection. But the operations were kept very broad. A great grievance was created. However, from the very beginning, both the state and the judicial authorities were making such a distinction: At the top, the management staff and secret imams; at the bottom, innocent religious people who dedicated themselves to service. I agree with this definition made by the state."

"I do not approve of the structuring of religious sects in the public sector at all. This applies not only to the Gülen Community but also to other sects. Merit should be the basis. It is not. Unfortunately, still, not only KPSS but also oral interviews are valid. What I mean is, one calamity did not prove better than a thousand pieces of advice. News about some sects organizing in the public sector is still appearing in newspapers."

Constitutional Court rules violation of rights regarding the banning of books by Hasan Cemal and Tuğçe Tatari! Constitutional Court rules violation of rights regarding the banning of books by Hasan Cemal and Tuğçe Tatari!

"I AM A PERSON WHO HAS STOOD AGAINST INJUSTICES"

Ilıcak stated that she does not approve of the actions taken in the final period of the AKP government, which she supported for many years.

"I cannot approve, because I am a person who has always stood against injustices," said Ilıcak, adding, "My line has been clear since May 27. Today I am silent, but my silence does not come from acceptance," she stated.

"I MISS JOURNALISM"

Ilıcak described her life after being released from prison as follows:

"Thank God, my health is good for my age. There are many things I want to do today. I miss journalism. The discussions on television, the guests... This is impossible for today. I wrote my memoirs; but I will publish my memoirs at an appropriate time. I am thinking of giving an invitation and holding my jubilee. But it would not be right under today's conditions. My days are going very well. I am living a comfortable retirement. I go to the theater, meet with friends, play bridge. I do Pilates and fitness. I spend time with my grandchildren. I go on trips. Nothing is better than good health."

"I HIT A WALL ON JULY 15"

To Yaşar's question, "What would you say to the young Nazlı Ilıcak who started writing for Tercüman in 1974?", Ilıcak replied:

"In 1974, I was very young; I was very confident in myself; I was like fire. I was bold, I had no fear. Unfortunately, this state of mine continued for a very long time. Finally, on July 15, 2016, I hit a wall. Now I am much more cautious, careful. If I speak once, I stay silent three times. But young people should not take the current Nazlı Ilıcak as an example. They should be like fire, they should protect Turkey's democracy. Therefore, I would not advise the Nazlı Ilıcak of 1974 to 'be calmer.' Because since I had a pen in my hand, I had to fulfill my duty to the public that day. Indeed, my life has always been spent with struggle; I was harmed, but I did not regret it."

SHE WAS ARRESTED TWO WEEKS AFTER JULY 15

Nazlı Ilıcak, who was arrested two weeks after the July 15 coup attempt on charges of "membership in an armed terrorist organization," was sentenced to 8 years and 9 months in prison on November 4, 2019, for the crime of "knowingly and willingly aiding without being a member of the organization" and was released under judicial control.

Ilıcak, who re-entered prison 4 years after her release as part of another investigation, was released once again on January 28, 2024.

News Source: 12punto