Trial in Karacaoğlan Mosque case postponed to 2026
The trial of Mehmet Ahmet Mehmet, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Karacaoğlan Mosque, and four other members of the Turkish minority, who are facing charges over the paving of the mosque courtyard, has been postponed to 2026.
The hearing took place on Tuesday, 16 December, at the Komotini Courthouse, where Mehmet Ahmet Mehmet and the four individuals who supported the work were present. The case was heard before the Single-Member Misdemeanor Court of Rodopi, with the defense represented by lawyer İlker Çavuşoğlu.
The court decided to adjourn the trial—where the defendants are accused of carrying out construction work without authorization—due to the end of official working hours. The next hearing was scheduled for 30 October 2026.
Background of the Case
The case originated from allegations that paving stones were laid in the courtyard of the mosque in Karacaoğlan village, located within the boundaries of Kozlukebir Municipality in Rhodope Prefecture, without obtaining the necessary permits.
As part of the investigation, five individuals were detained by the police and first taken to the Sirkeli Police Station, then transferred to Gümülcine. After spending one night in custody, they were released following a court appearance on Friday, 14 February 2025.
The fact that members of the Turkish minority were brought to the courthouse in handcuffs caused significant discomfort within the minority community and sparked widespread public reaction.
