Minority representatives from Komotini summoned for statements
Representatives of the Turkish minority in Komotini, Western Thrace, were summoned to the Komotini Courthouse on Monday, December 23, to provide statements following a criminal complaint. The summons included prominent figures such as Mayor of Iasmos Caner Imam, Mayor of Arriana Erdem Hüseyin, DEB Party President Çiğdem Asafoğlu, Komotini Turkish Youth Union President Sedat Hasan, and others, who attended the courthouse with legal counsel.
The complaint was filed by journalist Nikos Arvanitis against 17 minority representatives, alleging various charges. After reviewing the indictment file, the representatives requested until January 7 to submit written statements.
In a joint social media statement, the representatives condemned what they described as baseless allegations and defamatory reports targeting their personal rights and identities. They criticized the lack of action against such claims and expressed their frustration:
“In our region, the rule of the powerful prevails. Expressing our identity is a crime; voicing the injustices we face is a crime; every statement under the scope of freedom of thought is deemed a crime.”
The representatives emphasized their readiness to pursue legal action to protect their individual and collective rights. They also reserved the right to file counterclaims for the alleged violations of their rights, stating their commitment to fight against these injustices.
