Xanthi Turkish Union marks 41 years awaiting justice!
The Xanthi Turkish Union (İTB) commemorates the 41st anniversary of its struggle for justice following the removal of its association signboard by police on December 7, 1983. The İTB emphasized in its statement that this date marks a pivotal attack on the identity, history, and culture of Western Thrace Turks.
The statement recalls that the removal of the İTB signboard, bearing the word "Turkish," was justified by the claim, “There are no Turks in Western Thrace.” Shortly after, a closure lawsuit was filed, alleging that the association posed a threat to public order and national security. Over a 22-year domestic legal battle, Greece's Supreme Court upheld the closure in 2005, causing deep disappointment among Western Thrace Turks.
In response, the İTB took its case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), which ruled in 2008 that Greece violated the European Convention on Human Rights by closing the association. However, 16 years have passed, and Greece continues to disregard the ECHR ruling and international calls for compliance.
The İTB reiterated its commitment to fighting for justice, demanding the restoration of its legal status and an end to 41 years of discrimination. It vowed to persist until Greece honors its obligations under international law and rectifies the ongoing injustice.
