MEP puts spotlight on religious persecution in Turkey
24 October 2007
During a debate in the European Parliament on EU-Turkey relations Jim Allister MEP, who takes a close interest in persecution of Christians, took the opportunity to raise impediments to religious freedom in the region. Citing incidents of attack on Christians, he called for a more proactive promotion of religious freedom, including the right to convert from the Muslim faith, in Turkey.
In the course of his remarks Mr Allister said:-
"It is clear the Council and the Commission are wishing to present non-European Turkey in the best possible light. Maybe not surprising, considering the millions of pre-accession aid we are pouring in.
But there are uncomfortable realities to be faced; Honour crimes, human rights abuses and lack of protection for non-Muslim minorities. Absence of religious freedom and anti-Christian attacks and propaganda are my biggest concern. This year fatal attacks on Christians have continued, such as the slaying of 3 men in Malatya in April.
Freedom of religion is often the touchstone of a country's commitment to human rights. In Turkey's case it has much to do, including on the legal status of religious groups and property rights, but most fundamentally the right to worship freely and to convert must be respected"
