ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings is the latest to receive an award from the Atlantic Institute.
The man behind the organization is Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of being behind a coup attempt in Turkey and hiding out in the United States.
The group has given awards to local mayors and officials, including the president of the University of Central Florida.
The Atlantic Institute’s website said Gulen has dedicated his life to “interfaith and intercultural dialogue.”
But sources contacted Channel 9 to look into the awards given out by the group.
They said that community leaders such as Demings should stay away from the group, especially after the Pulse massacre.
According to CNN reports, Gulen is accused of being the mastermind behind a failed coup in Turkey earlier this year.
He has been living in exile in Pennsylvania and denies that he had anything to do with trying to overthrow the Turkish government.
CNN reports that Gulen has a loyal following, who subscribe to the Hizmet, or “Gulen movement.”
Community leaders have accepted awards from the group for years.
Demings accepted the award for public and community service from its members Oct. 13.
People at odds with the group and its ideology told Channel 9 it was a lack of judgment for a sheriff on the campaign trail.
But Demings is just one of a long list of people who have accepted an award from the institute.
On the group’s website, the list of awardees includes Hitt, E. Ann McGee, who is head of Seminole State College, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Dyer’s office said the awards are meant to recognize leaders who promote diversity and intercultural exchange.
Channel 9 contacted the Istanbul Cultural Center and Atlantic Institute, but has not heard back.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has not said if it will comment on the award.
http://www.wftv.com/news/local/sheriff-demings-receives-award-from-group-led-by-man-accused-in-turkey-coup-attempt-/460610039
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