ABTTF condemns Greece’s mufti appointments in Western Thrace

The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) has strongly condemned Greece’s recent mufti appointment practices in Western Thrace, warning that the measures violate the religious autonomy of the Turkish minority and contravene international agreements.

The organization’s Executive Board issued the statement following its 22nd term, 4th regular meeting held on April 11 at its headquarters in Witten, where recent developments concerning the minority were a central topic.

“A Direct Violation of Religious Autonomy”
ABTTF criticized the appointment of a mufti in Didymoteicho (Dimetoka) and condemned the launch of similar processes in İskeçe and Gümülcine. The group stated that such actions effectively strip the Turkish community of its right to elect its own religious leaders.

According to ABTTF, the continuation of “appointed mufti” practices constitutes a clear infringement on the community’s religious self-governance and amounts to a usurpation of fundamental rights.

Reference to International Treaties
In its statement, ABTTF emphasized that the measures are inconsistent with protections guaranteed under both the Treaty of Athens and the Treaty of Lausanne, which safeguard minority rights in the region.

Support for Community Representatives
The board also expressed solidarity with community figures facing legal proceedings following incidents at the Çınar Mosque in İskeçe on October 11, 2024. Those named include Hüseyin Baltacı, Ozan Ahmetoğlu, Bahri Belço, and Murat Köse.

Issue to Be Raised Internationally
ABTTF concluded by pledging to continue raising the issue on international platforms, signaling that the dispute over mufti appointments remains a key point of contention in the broader debate over minority rights in Greece.