Turkish court rules in favor of 101 Ahmadi religion detainees

It is with immense joy and relief that we share the momentous news that the Turkish courts have, at long last, recognized the actions of the 104 members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Turkey as entirely legal and in accordance with the law.

The court’s verdict stated that these individuals were at customs and did not attempt to cross the border illegally. Furthermore, the court noted that their actions at the border were protected by the Turkish Constitution, specifically citing Rule 34, which guarantees the right to assembly and demonstration, and that their actions were in no way illegal.

As a result of this groundbreaking decision, we anticipate the release of the remaining 101 members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in the coming days as their individual cases are processed. This marks a significant turning point in the legal battle those families had to fight, after enduring constant abuse, violations of their human rights and unlawful detention at the Edirne Deportation Center for far too long.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported and advocated for the release of the detained members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light during this extremely challenging and difficult period. 

However it is crucial to emphasize that the battle is far from over as the struggle to secure a safe haven for those families to freely and safely practice their faith continues.

In a side-event of the 54th session of the Human Rights Council in Germany, director of CAP Freedom of Conscience, Thierry Valle, has delivered an oral statement emphasizing the urgent need to grant asylum/humanitarian visas to the 101 members through EU consulates in Turkey as the only way available means to safeguard their right to freedom of religion and their right to life and freedom from inhumane or degrading treatment.