Western Thrace Turkish Delegation raises minority rights concerns at OSCE Human Dimension Meeting

A delegation representing the Turkish minority of Western Thrace participated in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting held in Vienna on May 11-12, bringing issues related to minority rights, digital freedoms, and discrimination before international institutions.

The conference, titled “Protecting Civic Space in the Digital Age,” was jointly organized by the Swiss Chairpersonship of the OSCE, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media.

Minority Organizations Represented at International Forum
The Western Thrace Turkish delegation included representatives from the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (BTAYTD), and the Friendship Equality Peace Party (FEP Party).

Delegates participating in the meeting included Fuat Ali, Melek Kirmaci, Pervin Hayrullah and Kerem Abdurrahimoglu.

Concerns Over Hate Speech and Digital Threats
During the session on digital threats to civic space, representatives of the FEP Party stated that members of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority and its institutions are increasingly targeted on digital platforms through hate speech and intimidation campaigns.

The party cited social media reactions following a minority rights conference held at the European Parliament, alleging that online comments included calls for exile, ethnic cleansing, and death threats.

WTMUGA representatives also argued that members of the Turkish minority, including educators and civil society actors, feel pressure and fear regarding online surveillance and possible administrative sanctions, discouraging them from openly expressing their identity, cultural ties, and opinions on minority rights.

Allegations of Disinformation and Targeting
In discussions focused on disinformation and democracy, the delegation claimed that minority representatives and institutions have recently been subjected to coordinated smear campaigns and discriminatory rhetoric.

WTMUGA highlighted attacks targeting FEP Party leader Cigdem Asafoğlu, describing the discourse directed against her as sexist and discriminatory.

Meanwhile, ABTTF representatives stated that the Western Thrace Turkish Minority is frequently portrayed in Greece as a “national threat” or as representatives of foreign interests, arguing that such narratives fuel prejudice and hostility in public discourse.

The federation also referred to ongoing legal proceedings against an Athens-based news website accused of publishing defamatory content concerning the organization.

Calls for Greater Protection of Minority Rights
During discussions on strengthening digital resilience, ABTTF representatives expressed concern over what they described as weakening judicial independence and restrictions affecting civil society in Greece.

The organization also referenced longstanding disputes involving freedom of association and the implementation of rulings by the European Court of Human Rights concerning minority associations, including the Bekir Usta and Others case group.

The DEB Party called on Greece, together with the European Free Alliance, to cooperate in protecting national minorities and human rights defenders from threats emerging in digital spaces.

Greece Reaffirms Official Position
Responding during the sessions, Greece reiterated its longstanding official position that the minority in Western Thrace is recognized under the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne as a religious Muslim minority rather than an ethnic Turkish minority.

Greek representatives stated that all members of the minority are Greek citizens enjoying constitutional rights and freedoms, including access to media activities within the framework of Greek law.