Western Thrace Turkish Minority representatives continue to testify
Investigations and complaints against representatives of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority have been increasing in recent years.
As part of an ongoing investigation, representatives from Xanthi testified at the Xanthi Courthouse on Monday, February 17. Among those called to testify were Ozan Ahmetoğlu, President of the Xanthi Turkish Union; Hüseyin Baltacı, President of the Western Thrace Minority Graduates Association; Ahmet Kara, former President of the Board of Trustees of Minority Schools; and Rıdvan Delihüseyin, former Mayor of Mustafçova. The investigation was initiated following a complaint by Nikos Arvanitis.
The case stems from a statement issued in 2022 by 17 Turkish minority representatives in response to media publications targeting the minority community. Following this statement, journalist Nikos Arvanitis from Komotinipress.gr filed a complaint, leading to an official investigation.
Regarding the issue, Ozan Ahmetoğlu, President of the Xanthi Turkish Union, shared the following statement:
"We were called to testify as part of the investigation initiated following a complaint by Nikos Arvanitis. Today, (February 17), we went to the Xanthi Courthouse and submitted our written testimonies."
Investigation Process
The 17 representatives, who form a significant portion of the Advisory Board of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, had issued a statement condemning the media reports targeting their community and urging authorities to take necessary measures. Nikos Arvanitis, claiming that the statement was directed against him, filed a criminal complaint, resulting in an investigation against these 17 minority representatives.
While minority representatives from Komotini have already testified, the investigation has also led to parliamentary immunity discussions. The Greek Parliament has reportedly lifted the immunity of minority MPs Hüseyin Zeybek and Burhan Baran, while proceedings are underway to revoke the immunity of MP Özgür Ferhat.
