The Turkish government issued a formal statement on Saturday criticizing Greece for its continued disregard of the fundamental rights and religious freedoms of the Turkish minority residing in Western Thrace. The Turkish foreign ministry specifically highlighted the Greek authorities' practice of appointing muftis in the regions of Komotini and Xanthi as a violation of established international agreements.
According to the ministry, these actions directly contravene the rights and freedoms guaranteed to the minority group under the Lausanne Peace Treaty and other international accords. The statement characterized the appointed officials as "so-called muftis," asserting that the institution of the Mufti is a vital component of the religious, social, and cultural identity of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace.
The ministry further argued that by refusing to recognize the muftis who have been elected by the Turkish minority, Greece is actively ignoring the will of an official minority group and suppressing their religious freedom. Turkish officials claimed this approach exposes a distorted perspective on fundamental human rights within Greece.
In its closing remarks, the Turkish foreign ministry called upon Greek authorities to formally recognize the muftis elected by the minority population and to cease all efforts to impose state-appointed alternatives in the region.
