Enes Kanter isn’t with the New York Knicks in London because he fears for his life while Turkish prosecutors are seeking extradition.
The feud between New York Knicks big man Enes Kanter and the Turkish government continues to heat up. Kanter decided to stay home from the team’s trip to London out of fears for his safety. He has continued to speak out against the Turkish government which included an op-ed in the Washington Post.
The Turkish government is responding by seeking an international arrest warrant for Kanter and wants to extradite the outspoken center for his criticism of the government, according to ESPN News Services.
Turkey is accusing Kanter of being a terrorist, citing his close relationship with the exiled Fethullah Gulen.
Turkish Government can NOT present any single piece of evidence of my wrongdoing. ?♂️
I don’t even have a parking ticket in the US ? (True)
I have always been a law-abiding resident. ? https://t.co/DxLgvFcTST
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) January 16, 2019
It’s unlikely that Kanter will be extradited for his supposed crimes against the Turkish government. In order for that to happen, the U.S. would need to believe that Kanter committed a crime. As Kanter states, he doesn’t have so much as a parking ticket in the U.S. Not to mention, the U.S. government would not extradite Kanter for speaking out against the Turkish government.
The feud between Kanter and the Turkish government continues to escalate. It was probably a smart idea for Kanter to remain in the U.S. while his team is getting set to take on the Washington Wizards in London.
Of course, Kanter would love to be with his team, but certain issues are more important than basketball. The rising tensions between Kanter and the Turkish government are enough reason for Kanter to stay home.
