Kosmidou on Karacaoğlan Primary School incident: “The public is being misled”

Marigoula Kosmidou, Acting Director of Education for the Eastern Macedonia–Thrace Region, has issued a written statement addressing public claims surrounding damage at the Karacaoğlan Turkish Minority Primary School, following an incident in which unidentified individuals allegedly entered the school building illegally and lit a fire inside.

In her statement, Kosmidou suggested—implicitly referring to minority institutions—that portraying the incident as an “attack on minority education” does not reflect reality and constitutes an attempt to mislead public opinion.

The statement noted that the Karacaoğlan Minority Primary School has not been operational for many years due to insufficient student numbers, arguing that presenting the illegal entry as an act against minority education amounts to “mocking the intelligence of the people of Thrace.”

Kosmidou emphasized that the Greek state remains committed to its obligations under international agreements and to its responsibilities toward all citizens. She underlined that, as with public schools, the operating costs of minority schools—including equipment expenses, student transportation, salaries of teachers and cleaning staff, as well as maintenance costs for many school buildings—are fully covered by the state.

She also pointed out that minority schools, like all schools operating in Greece, fall under the authority of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports.

The press release further stated that photographs demonstrating the good condition of minority school buildings have been shared with the public, highlighting what was described as the state’s continuous attention and support for these institutions.

Following the incident, the Greek police reportedly acted immediately, launching an investigation into the damage caused at the school and continuing efforts to identify those responsible. It was also noted that the Ircan Minority Primary School Directorate, to which the Karacaoğlan School is administratively affiliated, has taken the necessary steps to ensure that the damage is repaired as soon as possible.