Double standards on freedom of association!
Greece applies double standards against the Turkish society of Western Thrace regarding freedom of association.
The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe stated in a statement that Greece applies double standards on freedom of association.
The statement said, "While an association named 'Armenian' can operate legally in our region and can organize an event in cooperation with the municipality, on the other hand associations named 'Turkish' are still closed. When it comes to the Turks of Western Thrace in our country, freedom of association is immediately shelved and clear discrimination is made among citizens.” it was said.
According to local media reports, Armenians from various parts of the world met in Komotini for the Armenian Culture Festival. It was stated that the two-day festival, which was held on 26-27 August 2022 in cooperation with the Municipality of Komotini and the Armenian Culture and Education Association of Komotini, concluded successfully.
Regarding the issue, Halit Habipoğlu, the President the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), made the following statement:
"The festival organized by Armenians living in Komotini has once again revealed the double standard that our country Greece applies against the Turks of Western Thrace regarding freedom of association. While an association named 'Armenian' in our region can operate legally and organize an event in cooperation with the municipality, it is closed down to associations named 'Turkish'.
Despite all the warnings of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, our country has been ignoring the international convention to which it is a party by persistently not implementing the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights regarding our associations for more than 14 years.
When it comes to the Turks of Western Thrace in our country, freedom of association is immediately shelved and open discrimination is made among citizens.” said.
Source:ABTTF