ABTTF condemns unilateral appointment of Mufti in Dimetoka

The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) has strongly criticized the Greek government’s unilateral appointment of a mufti to Dimetoka, describing the move as a direct violation of the religious autonomy of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority.

In a written statement, ABTTF President Halit Habipoğlu said that Greece had once again disregarded the community’s will and rights, which were defined by the 1913 Treaty of Athens and guaranteed under the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne.

“Greece has once more ignored the religious autonomy and collective will of our community, which are protected by international treaties,” Habipoğlu stated.

‘Systematic Restrictions Since 1990’

Habipoğlu emphasized that Greece has been restricting the minority’s right to elect its own muftis since 1990, through a series of laws and administrative practices. He underlined that the process culminated with the law adopted on 29 July 2022, titled “Modernisation of the Mufti Offices in Thrace”, which effectively placed the traditionally autonomous muftiates under full state control.

According to Habipoğlu, the latest appointment clearly reveals the government’s intentions.

“This Decision Is Null and Void for Our Community”

“Once again, our country has imposed a decision without consulting our community, appointing as mufti a person who was neither elected nor accepted by our people in Didymoteicho,” Habipoğlu said.

“This clearly demonstrates the real objective: the complete elimination of our religious autonomy. This decision is absolutely unacceptable and null and void in the eyes of our community.”

He called on the Greek government to engage in direct dialogue with the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, to recognise the muftis elected by the free will of the community, and to immediately end unilateral practices that violate religious autonomy.