Europe Asia News

In a statement dated October 24, 2026, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the legal status of the Muslim minority in Western Thrace was established by the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and that the minority's religious character could not be changed. The statement noted that members of the minority are Greek citizens and an integral part of Greek society.

The statement said that Greece had established a procedure for the selection of muftis under Law No. 4964/2022, incorporating the participation of minority members, including women. It stated that the regulation enhanced transparency and guaranteed respect for freedom of religion.

The ministry argued that Türkiye's criticism of Greece regarding religious freedom and human rights was inconsistent. Pointing out that muftis in Türkiye are appointed by the state, it said such assessments should be based on consistency between words and actions.

Emphasizing that freedom of religion is a fundamental right, the statement said it should not be invoked selectively or used as a justification for interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. It added that Greece protects the rights of all its citizens in accordance with the principles of the rule of law and with respect for international law.