Washington, Ankara discuss extradition of U.S.-based cleric

PanARMENIAN.Net - Officials say Turkish and American justice officials are discussing Turkey's demands for the extradition of a U.S.-based cleric accused of masterminding last month's failed coup attempt, the Associated Press reports.

Turkey's Justice Ministry says its officials opened talks Tuesday, August 23 with U.S. Justice Department and State Department officials in the capital, Ankara.

Fethullah Gulen has lived in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania for the past 17 years in self-imposed exile. He has denied any involvement in the July 15 coup attempt that claimed 270 lives.

The U.S. government has asked for firm evidence before considering extradition. Senior officials in the Obama administration say Turkey's extradition requests have been based on allegations of other crimes against Gulen, not evidence of involvement in the coup attempt.