Story perspectives

Xanthi Court Suspends Sentences, Fines Turkish Protesters Over Mufti Blockade

6/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Xanthi Court gave suspended 17-month sentences, converted to fines, to four Turkish-minority men who blocked state-appointed muftis at Cinar Mosque.
The protest occurred after the October 11 2024 opening of the Xanthi Madrasa, when state-appointed muftis were stopped from leading Friday prayers.
The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe denounced the verdict as undemocratic, saying it threatens Turkish minority’s religious freedoms and ties to a long-standing dispute over mufti appointments.

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Story summary

The Xanthi Court gave suspended 17-month sentences, converted to fines, to four Turkish-minority men who blocked state-appointed muftis at Cinar Mosque.
The protest occurred after the October 11 2024 opening of the Xanthi Madrasa, when state-appointed muftis were stopped from leading Friday prayers.
The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe denounced the verdict as undemocratic, saying it threatens Turkish minority’s religious freedoms and ties to a long-standing dispute over mufti appointments.