ABTTF criticizes Greek Court Decision upholding rejection of Football Supporters’ Association appeal in Western Thrace
The European Western Thrace Turkish Federation (ABTTF) has strongly criticized the decision of the Thrace Court of Appeal to reject the appeal of the Western Thrace Fenerbahçe Cultural and Sports Association, calling it a violation of freedom of association for the Turkish minority in Greece.
In an official statement, ABTTF described the ruling as incompatible with democratic principles and condemned it as a clear infringement of the community’s organizational rights.
ABTTF President Halit Habipoglu stated that Greece has long failed to implement the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings in the “Bekir Usta and Others” case group, arguing that the issue has been politicized and that the latest court decision should be viewed within this broader context.
Habipoglu also noted that the ruling is not in line with ECHR jurisprudence and confirmed that the matter will be brought to the attention of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.
The ABTTF further referenced the 2026 report of the Conference of International Non-Governmental Organizations (CINGOs) of the Council of Europe, which highlights that restrictions on minority associations are incompatible with democratic society standards and raise serious concerns regarding pluralism and freedom of association.
The legal dispute stems from a case filed against the Western Thrace Fenerbahçe Cultural and Sports Association, founded in Komotini on May 28, 2022. Authorities had argued that the use of the term “Western Thrace” in the organization’s name was contrary to law and public order, leading to a 2024 court ruling ordering the association’s dissolution.
