Turkish president to demand extradition of US-based cleric during Biden visit

ISTANBUL – Turkey’s president said Wednesday he planned to demand the extradition of the cleric accused of masterminding last month’s failed coup during his meeting with U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated frequent, earlier demands for the extradition of Fethullah Gulen during a speech in Ankara on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Turkey submitting request to US for Fethullah Gulen’s arrest

Turkish authorities claim Gulen, who lives in Pennsylvania, was the mastermind behind the violent coup attempt that killed over 270 people. Gulen denies any involvement.

Erdogan said he would tell Biden that the United States does not “have the right to hem and haw. You have to hand him over.”

Biden said in an op-ed published in Turkish newspaper Milliyet ahead of his visit that he or President Barak Obama could not simply order Gulen’s extradition because the request must be assessed by a federal court that will decide if there is enough evidence to send him to Turkey to face charges.

WATCH: Muslim cleric who Turkey`s president blamed for attempted military coup denies culpability

0:23 Muslim cleric who Turkey`s president blamed for attempted military coup denies culpability

He also said that while the U.S. has received a request to extradite Gulen over allegations that predated the coup, it has not received an extradition request or any evidence related to the coup itself.

“I understand that in the wake of such a heinous and brutal attack, the desire is powerful for actions that might lead to justice for the loss of so many innocent lives,” he wrote.

“That’s why the United States is doing everything we can to support Turkey’s efforts to hold accountable those responsible for this terrible tragedy, while ensuring the rule of law is respected.”

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READ MORE: Turkey to release 38,000 prisoners to make room for coup plotters

After meeting with Parliament Speaker Ismail Kahraman on Wednesday, Biden toured the sections of parliament damaged during the coup attempt.

A small group of young demonstrators protested Biden’s motorcade as he headed to Prime Minister Binali Yildirim’s residence, Anadolu news agency reported.

Anti-American sentiment has been on the rise in Turkey since the coup. Biden hopes to smooth relations, but has limited leverage.