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ECHR Rules Turkey's Greek Clergy Election Ban Unlawful

5/29/2026

Summary

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The European Court of Human Rights condemned Turkey on May 26 2026, finding that barring Greek Orthodox clergy—including Gennadios (Nikolaos Mavrakis) and Georgios Kasapoglou—from vakiflar board elections violated Articles 9 and 11.
Counsel Paris Asanakis said the ruling overturns a century-old Directorate General of Foundations rule.
Judges said associations are essential to democratic pluralism and warned the decision could affect the Balikli Greek Hospital Foundation, which has not held elections since 1991.

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Story summary

The European Court of Human Rights condemned Turkey on May 26 2026, finding that barring Greek Orthodox clergy—including Gennadios (Nikolaos Mavrakis) and Georgios Kasapoglou—from vakiflar board elections violated Articles 9 and 11.
Counsel Paris Asanakis said the ruling overturns a century-old Directorate General of Foundations rule.
Judges said associations are essential to democratic pluralism and warned the decision could affect the Balikli Greek Hospital Foundation, which has not held elections since 1991.