Western Thrace Turkish Minority representatives thank supporters in Çınar Mosque trial
Four representatives of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority, currently standing trial over incidents linked to the Çınar Mosque case in İskeçe, have issued a public message expressing gratitude for the widespread solidarity shown during the latest court hearing.
The case stems from events that took place on October 11, 2024, at the central Çınar Mosque in İskeçe, following what the defendants described as “provocative actions” by state-appointed muftis. Legal proceedings were initiated against four minority figures after tensions escalated during the incident.
The defendants — Hüseyin Baltacı, Ozan Ahmetoğlu, Bahri Belço, and Murat Köse — appeared at the İskeçe Courthouse on March 27, 2026, where supporters gathered in a visible show of unity.
In a jointly signed statement, the four representatives extended their “heartfelt thanks” to members of the Turkish minority community, civil society organizations, political figures, local officials, and members of the press who attended the hearing. They also acknowledged the presence of legal observers and bar associations from Turkey, including delegations from Edirne and Çanakkale.
“The unity and solidarity demonstrated clearly show that this case is not limited to four individuals, but concerns our entire community,” the statement read.
The representatives emphasized their confidence in their legal position, expressing belief that justice will prevail. They also underlined their trust in the independence of the judiciary.
The hearing is part of an ongoing legal process that has drawn attention from minority rights groups and observers in both Greece and Türkiye, highlighting broader discussions on religious authority, minority rights, and state-minority relations in Western Thrace.
