Turkey Under Fire for Christian Deportations
Turkey is currently facing intense legal scrutiny and international criticism for its policy of deporting foreign Christians, many of whom have resided in the country for decades, by designating them as 'national security threats'. Human rights organizations contend that these actions represent a misuse of law and an attack on religious freedom.
Since 2020, more than 200 foreign Christian workers and their families, totaling approximately 350 individuals, have been banned from re-entering or expelled from Turkey. These individuals, including pastors, teachers, and church volunteers, have been assigned internal security codes, primarily N-82 and G-87, which effectively classify them as security risks. Critics argue that these codes are often applied without concrete evidence of criminal wrongdoing or due process.
Legal Challenges Mount in European and Turkish Courts
The legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom International (ADF International) is at the forefront of these challenges, representing over 30 cases before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and Turkish domestic courts. A prominent case is Kenneth Wiest v. Turkey, involving an American Protestant who lived in Turkey for 34 years before being banned from re-entry in 2019 under an N-82 code. ADF International argues that the lack of evidence for national security claims and the systematic nature of the expulsions violate fundamental rights, including freedom of religion and non-discrimination, as protected by the European Convention on Human Rights.
In June 2024, Turkey's Constitutional Court rejected an appeal by nine foreign Christians against the N-82 code, a decision that saw six of the thirteen judges issue strong dissenting opinions. The court's publication of the appellants' names led to negative media portrayal, labeling them as 'missionaries and enemies of the state'. The European Center for Law and Justice (ECLJ) has also highlighted the violation of rights in these cases.
Impact on Christian Communities and Official Stance
The expulsions have severely impacted Protestant congregations across Turkey, leading to a significant loss of pastoral leadership and disruption of religious life. Furthermore, Christian theological training faces severe restrictions, with the historic Halki Seminary remaining closed, Protestant seminaries lacking legal status, and Bible education being prohibited, while Islamic theological courses are freely permitted. Reports also indicate a rise in hate speech and violence against Christians in the country.
In response to these allegations, Turkey's Center for Combating Disinformation has dismissed the claims as 'completely unfounded' and part of a 'deliberate disinformation campaign'. The Turkish government maintains that administrative actions against foreign nationals are based on various legal and regulatory grounds, including visa violations and threats to public order.
The ongoing legal battles, particularly the forthcoming ruling in the Wiest v. Turkey case by the ECtHR, are anticipated to set a crucial precedent for the protection of religious freedom in Europe and beyond.
5 Comments
Africa
This is blatant religious persecution. Turkey is acting like a rogue state.
Bermudez
Good on Turkey for protecting its sovereignty. These groups often have ulterior motives.
Habibi
Deporting people who have lived there for decades? This is an attack on religious minorities.
ZmeeLove
The ECtHR ruling in the Wiest case will be crucial, as it could set a precedent for balancing national security concerns with religious freedom and due process in such complex situations.
Muchacho
The Turkish government's claim of a 'disinformation campaign' needs to be weighed against the detailed accounts from human rights organizations. Both sides need to be critically examined.