NO. 3
WASHINGTON, DC — American Hellenic Institute (AHI) released a summary report of its activities and initiatives that advocate for religious freedom.
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate and Orthodox Christians as well as all religious minorities in Turkey are under assault by President Erdogan’s regime,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. “Turkey’s historical mistreatment of religious minorities, most recently demonstrated by the conversion of Hagia Sophia and the Chora Church in Istanbul, violate fundamental human rights, religious freedom, and U.S. law. Our summary report encapsulates AHI’s advocacy, policy work, and initiatives to heighten awareness of Erdogan’s assault on religious freedom and tolerance during the past year.”
Larigakis points out that assaults upon the Greek Orthodox minority throughout the decades violate U.S. law, more specifically, Section 2804 of the 1998 Omnibus Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (PL 105-277), which calls for the Turkish government to respect the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and its property and personnel, as well as the need to reopen the Halki Patriarchal School of Theology.
Tukey also stands in violation of the International Religious Freedom Act (IFRA), and as such, obligates the President of the United States to take one or more of 15 enumerated actions with respect to any such country that violates the law.