Turkey’s Expulsion of Foreign Christians Sparks International Debate
Amidst growing international scrutiny, Turkey faces allegations from the European Parliament regarding the expulsion of foreign Christians, a move that has reportedly affected over 350 individuals since 2020.
The expulsions have left numerous Protestant communities in Turkey without their spiritual leaders, particularly impacting ordained ministers who have long served in the country.
The Turkish government has restricted the entry and re-entry of these foreign Christians under the banner of “national security.”
This month, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) addressed 20 cases to the Turkish administration, seeking their insights as the legal proceedings continue.
The European Parliament has strongly criticized the expulsions, arguing that they are based on “unsubstantiated national-security pretexts and without due process.”
Turkey’s foreign ministry has countered these accusations, labeling them as “unfounded allegations” and asserting that they interfere with the nation’s sovereignty.
ADF International, a legal advocacy group involved in the ECHR cases, accuses Turkey of exploiting anti-terrorism laws to unjustly target foreign Christians, many of whom have been residing in Turkey for years.
Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom at ADF International, stated, “The Turkish government’s rejection of the European Parliament’s vote shows a clear lack of respect for its human rights obligations.”
“When a government weaponizes national security mechanisms to target peaceful missionaries and faith communities, they must not be allowed to act with impunity.”
During a European Parliament session, Croatian MEP Tomislav Sokol remarked, “These deportations of Christians in Turkey for reasons of national security are one more attack on Christians, the most persecuted religious minority around the world.”
He further asserted, “The EU cannot talk of human rights and then remain silent when Christians are facing problems in Africa or persecution in a neighbouring country.
“We must stand up for freedom of religion everywhere without any double standards … Turkey must put a stop to these deportations of Christians.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
