Western Thrace Turkish Minority case: Çınar Mosque trial postponed to June 5

The trial reflects recent interventions against the minority’s self-selected mufti and religious institutions. Speaking to the press outside the courthouse, Mustafa Trampa, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority and İskeçe Mufti, emphasized, “It is not just four individuals on trial here, but the existence of our minority.”

Defense Lawyers Highlight the Need for Witness Presence
The trial began under heavy security and high public attendance. Defense attorneys argued that Hamza Osman, who had been called as a key witness, must appear in person, noting that his testimony is crucial for the case’s outcome. The court accepted this reasoning, leading to the trial’s postponement to June 5.

Solidarity and Public Support
A significant crowd gathered outside İskeçe Court, including minority MPs Hüseyin Zeybek and Burhan Baran, representatives from minority institutions, legal professionals from Edirne and Çanakkale Bar Associations, and dozens of citizens.

Defendants: The Issue is the Mufti, Not Individuals
Defendants Hüseyin Baltacı, Ozan Ahmetoğlu, Bahri Belço, and Murat Köse stated that the case is not about personal liability. They stressed that the minority recognizes only their democratically elected mufti and not state-appointed authorities, asserting that the Çınar Mosque events stem from interference with the community’s institutional rights.

Mufti Trampa: “Our Fundamental Rights Are Being Questioned”
In a post-trial statement, Mufti Trampa said:
“Today, we showed our unity. What is on trial is not only four friends but the existence of the entire minority and its fundamental rights protected under international law. We hope justice prevails.”

Trampa also reminded that minority religious freedoms, foundations, and educational rights are safeguarded under international agreements. Recent regulations affecting foundation operations and property rights, he said, threaten social stability.

Call for Participation on June 5
Following the postponement, the Advisory Board urged all minority members to attend the next session and continue defending their rights in unity.

Defense Lawyers Confirm Postponement Justified
Lawyers Ahmet Kara and Ioannis Barkas highlighted the importance of Hamza Osman’s presence in court, explaining that without his testimony, the trial could not fairly proceed. Their request for a postponement was approved by the court.