Hong Kong school connected to exiled Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen
However, staff and directors of the school deny it incorporates teachings of Gülen, who has been accused of being behind Turkish coup bid
A local school in Tsuen Wan has been found to have connections with exiled Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen, blamed for the failed coup attempted against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government on July 15.
The Post has found that Rosebud Primary School, run by Ease Education Limited, a charitable non-profit organisation, has five Turkish directors. Three of those directors also sit on the board of Pearl Institute Limited, a non-governmental organisation promoting the teachings of Gülen.
The Gülen movement is also known as Hizmet movement or “the service”. According to the Pearl Institute, the teachings are based on two basic principles: tolerance and dialogue. It looks to promote a liberal and moderate teaching of Islam, forming bridges “between religions and civilisations”.
Rosebud Primary School vice-principal Kurt Omer denied any involvement with the Gülen movement. “It’s the first time I’m hearing about this,” he said.
“[Ease Education Limited] was established by some Turkish businessmen who lived in Hong Kong. While it was set up by Turkish businessmen, we use the international primary curriculum.”
The school is attended by 90 children from 23 nations.