ISTANBUL — On Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reacted to the passing of exiled Islamic cleric Fetullah Gulen, whom Turkey had long accused of masterminding the thwarted coup bid in 2016. Erdogan asserted that Gulen met a “dishonorable death” and characterized him as a “demon in human form.”

Gulen passed away on Sunday in the United States, where he had lived in self-imposed exile for many years. In his eighties and suffering from persistent health issues, Gulen’s influence was once substantial, having been an ally of Erdogan until their relationship soured. Ultimately, Erdogan labeled Gulen a terrorist, leading to an extensive crackdown on his followers, schools, and associated institutions globally.

In a televised speech, Erdogan remarked, “Those who turned the children of the nation into mindless slaves under the guise of service and charity have ended up with a dishonorable death, akin to other demons in human form throughout history.” He further declared the government’s commitment to persist in efforts to entirely eradicate the Gulenist movement.

Gulen’s extensive network played a significant role in Erdogan’s ascent to power in 2003, but the partnership deteriorated after the Turkish government shut down various educational facilities linked to Gulen. Subsequently, Gulen’s adherents within law enforcement and the judiciary initiated investigations into corruption allegations against Erdogan’s administration.

Following the failed coup on July 15, 2016, Erdogan accused Gulen of being the mastermind, an allegation that Gulen denied vehemently. Supporters of Gulen deemed the charges baseless and politically inclined. As a result, Turkey placed Gulen on its most-wanted list and sought his extradition from the U.S., which has expressed hesitance to comply, citing the need for further evidence.

In the wake of the coup attempt, Turkey launched a sweeping purge against Gulen’s followers, resulting in thousands being arrested, dismissed from their positions, or expelled from the military. Numerous schools, businesses, and media entities connected to Gulen were shuttered, and pressure was exerted on Gulen-affiliated organizations operating abroad. Gulen condemned the government’s actions as a witch hunt, labeling Turkey’s rulers as “tyrants.”

Erdogan concluded his remarks by stating that Gulen died without facing earthly accountability but asserted that “they will not be able to escape divine justice.”