Investigation Launched Regarding Incident at Xanthi Çınar Mosque
An investigation has been initiated regarding the incident at Xanthi Çınar Mosque on Friday, October 11, involving alleged provocation attempts by appointed deputy muftis, which were opposed by mosque congregants and minority institution leaders. Deputy Minister of Citizen Protection, Andreas Nikolakopoulos, responded to a parliamentary inquiry from NIKI Party MP Nikos Papadopoulos, confirming that the Xanthi Police had launched an ex officio investigation, with all findings submitted to the prosecutor’s office.
In his response, Nikolakopoulos emphasized the Greek Ministry of Citizen Protection’s commitment to maintaining public order and respecting the peaceful coexistence of religious communities in Greece. The ministry underscored that the incident is being addressed under Article 200 of the Penal Code, which covers “disruption of religious gatherings.” Furthermore, police units have been in contact with the appointed mufti offices in Komotini, Xanthi, and Didymoteicho, gathering necessary information despite no intervention request from the muftis.
The Deputy Minister reiterated the state’s firm stance on protecting public order and religious rights, highlighting that six similar cases this year have resulted in prosecutions.
