Brazil detains FETÖ suspect sought by Turkey

Brazil detains FETÖ suspect sought by Turkey

SAO PAULO- Anadolu Agency

A man who is wanted by Turkey has been in Brazilian custody since returning from the U.S. on April 5, local authorities said on April 26.

Turkey has sought the extradition of Ali Sipahi due to his suspected links to FETÖ.

Brazil's Supreme Court ordered Sipahi to be taken into custody on March 19, authorities said.       

He was detained at Guarulhos Airport in Sao Paulo, according to a police report cited by local media.       

His extradition is being evaluated by Brazil's Supreme Court, and Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin has ruled that his hearing will take place on May 3.       

According to public information available on the Brazilian Ministry of Justice's website, Sipahi, who has been living in Brazil since 2007, became a Brazilian citizen on Oct. 13, 2016.       

FETÖ and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gülen orchestrated the defeated coup attempt of July 15, 2016 which left 251 people dead and nearly 2,200 injured.