ABTTF participated in OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting

The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) participated in OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting on 26-27 September 2011. Director of International Affairs Melek Kırmacı, ABTTF International Affairs Department Member Ercüment Mustafaoğlu and Cemil Kabza from the Western Thrace Minority University Graduates Association (BTAYTD) represented the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace at the meeting held in Warsaw.

Current Media Law is a threat to minorities

ABTTF International Affairs Director Melek Kırmacı stated that the Greek National Council for Radio and Television had issued a 3000 € fine to Kral FM for not broadcasting 25% in Greek while Tele Radio FM got away with only a warning. Kırmacı requested the change of Greek law 3592/2007 as it undermined plurality in the media. Cemil Kabza also mentioned the excessive fines levied on the Gümdem and Millet newspapers and said that both newspapers were at the brink of bankruptcy and eventual closure.

Muftis elected by the minority are not recognized

ABTTF International Affairs Department Member Ercüment Mustafaoğlu noted that the Turkish Minority was quite disappointed with the decision to prolong the term of office of the current appointed Muftis while they had been expecting a solution to the problem. Mustafaoğlu also reminded that the Mufti’s Office had been vacant in Rhodes and Kos since 1972.

The right to freedom of association usurped and ECHR Decisions not implemented

Melek Kırmacı reminded that although there were sentences against Greece due to the shutting down of Minority associations with the word “Turk” in their titles, Greece had been quite unwilling to implement the decisions. Cemil Kabza also mentioned that the Komotini Civil Court of First Instance had dismissed the request for registration of the Evrenos Minority Culture Folklore Education Association on the ground that the word “minority” in its title was not specified and in case it referred to “Turkish” with the word “minority”, the title of the association was contrary to public policy.