Israel Matzav

US commission blasts Turkey's lack of religious freedom

For the first time ever, a bipartisan US commission has blasted a NATO ally's lack of religious freedom. That ally is Turkey (Hat Tip: Dan F). More specifically, Turkey has been designated as a 'country of particular concern' for being "a nation whose government has engaged in, or tolerated, systematic and egregious violations of the universal right to freedom of religion and belief." I'm sure you're all shocked.

In its annual report released Tuesday, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom notes that, despite its status as an electoral democracy, Turkey under Prime Minister Recip Tayyip Erdogan has failed to recognize religious communities as independent entities with full legal status. Turkish government officials routinely control and meddle in the internal governance, education, and worship rights of these communities. The commission also calls out Turkey — along with Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Venezuela – for its promotion and tolerance of anti-Semitism.

“Nations that trample upon the basic right of its citizens to freely practice any religion — or no religion — provide fertile ground for poverty, insecurity, war, terror, and the rise of radical movements and activities,” said commission chairman Leonard Leo. Officials at the Commission describe freedom of religion as, often, “the first freedom threatened by tyranny and terror.”

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The full list of the commission’s 16 most egregious religious freedom violators comprises: Burma, China, Egypt, Eritrea, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Leo said, “It’s no coincidence that these nations are among the most dangerous and destabilizing places on earth,” emphasizing the relationship between a country’s stability and the way its government allows its citizens to freely practice, change their beliefs, or encourage others to join their religion.

The report notes that Turkey's designation was 'controversial,' with four of the nine commissioners dissenting. Given that the commission is described as 'bipartisan,' it would be interesting to note whether and to what extent the vote was divided by party lines. I could not tell by going through the report.

Labels: freedom of religion, Turkey

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:18 PM