After the Turkish Cumhuriyet daily dismissed Mustafa Balbay as a columnist, the deputy for the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) told Bugün daily in an interview on Thursday that his position as columnist was ended due to influence from the Gülenist Terror Organization/Parallel State Structure (FETÖ/PDY). Deputy Balbay's remarks gave raise to allegations of a close affiliation between FETÖ, the PKK and the Cumhuriyet. The controversial newspaper has received criticisms through social media for news articles published in support of the terrorist organizations PKK and FETÖ.

In addition to his comments, Balbay wrote through his personal Twitter account that, "Things such as supporting FETÖ and the PKK are always welcomed, however it is not permitted for a CHP deputy write to the Cumhuriyet daily."

Articles appearing in the Cumhuriyet in support of the PKK and FETÖ have caused some to believe there exists a strong affiliation between the organizations. In addition to such articles, three honorary columnists from the Cumhuriyet have attended the Gülen Movement-affiliated Journalists and Writers Association's (GYV) Abant Platform, further strengthening CHP deputy Balbay's remarks and claims of association. As a result of the Ergenekon case, which was manipulated by prosecutors linked to the Gülen Movement, Balbay was sentenced to jail for five years.

Balbay said he does not agree with the recent policy of the Cumhuriyet, and added he has expressed his criticisms to them as well. He stressed that the current stance of the Cumhuriyet daily reveals it no longer has any principles.

Underlining that there is a clear perspective supporting FETÖ leader Fetullah Gülen, Balbay further added that the Cumhuriyet's general stance is based on approving the actions of Gülenists and claiming they have been mistreated. "The Cumhuriyet daily's whole stance is stating the Gülenists have done the right thing and that they have been mistreated. However an organization that is established outside of the state's hierarchy is considered a crime throughout the world," Balbay added.