DHAKA: Turkey is to start extradition proceedings against US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said.

Gulen, a former ally of the prime minister, has been accused by Erdogan of using his supporters to try to topple him.

The cleric denies mounting a campaign against him.

Turkey’s government has faced a string of corruption scandals and rights groups accuse it of authoritarianism.

Speaking at parliament after meeting with deputies from his Justice and Development Party (AKP) party on Tuesday, Erdogan confirmed the extradition process ‘will begin’, reports say.

The Turkish PM was speaking hours after an interview with US broadcaster PBS, in which he said he hoped the US would deport Gulen and send him back to Turkey.

It was his first interview with foreign media since his party claimed victory in local elections last month, reports the BBC.

BDST: 2114 HRS, APR 29, 2014