According to the Greek Epikaira magazine, Turkish media launched an information campaign claiming that the Patriarch was allegedly informed about the prepared coup ahead of its beginning, which allowed him to leave the country just three hours before the escalation.
READ MORE: Flynn's Lawyer Denies 'Outrageous Allegations' of Turkish Bribe for Gulen
The media outlet pointed out that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suspected the Patriarch of Constantinople of friendship with Gulen, and that officers from the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) were spying on the Patriarch.
On July 15, 2016, a military coup attempt took place in Turkey. It was suppressed the following day, but left over 240 people dead and an estimated 2,000 wounded. After Turkey faced the attempted military takeover a year ago, Ankara accused Gulen, who has been living in the United States since 1999, and his followers of playing a key role in the coup attempt. The cleric has refuted the allegations.
