Case against 17 Western Thrace Turkish Minority representatives referred to high court
The proceedings stem from a complaint filed by journalist Nikos Arvanitis, administrator of the website Komotinipress.gr, who alleged that a joint public statement issued in 2022 by minority representatives targeted him personally.
Background of the Case
The legal action is linked to a joint declaration published in 2022 by 17 members of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board. The statement had called on authorities to take action against media publications perceived as targeting the minority community.
Arvanitis subsequently filed a criminal complaint, claiming the declaration was directed against him.
Minority representatives had previously given statements in both Gümülcine and İskeçe and appeared before the Komotini courthouse on February 10 following official summons.
Court Refers Case to Higher Jurisdiction
During Tuesday’s session, the Gümülcine Criminal Court decided to refer the case to the High Court in accordance with the Greek Code of Criminal Procedure, following a request by the defense.
The case concerns 15 of the minority representatives who appeared before the court on Tuesday.
Attorney İlker Çavuşoğlu, representing the minority figures, stated after the hearing:
“On February 10, 2026, the case concerning 15 representatives of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority was heard before the Gümülcine Criminal Court. Upon the request of the defense and in accordance with the provisions of the Greek Code of Criminal Procedure, the case has been referred to the High Court.”
He added that the proceedings will be merged with related cases involving two mayors — Caner İmam of Iasmos (Yassıköy) and Erdem Hüseyin of Kozlukebir — and that a new unified trial date will be scheduled at a later stage.
Broader Implications
The case has drawn attention within Western Thrace and beyond, as it touches on issues of minority representation, freedom of expression, and legal accountability in public discourse.
Observers note that the referral to the High Court marks a new phase in the judicial process, potentially elevating the legal and political significance of the case.
Further developments are expected once a new trial date is announced.
