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Turkey

• Asylum Seekers Face Deportation

  

  In the wake of the recent devastating earthquake, the focus of the world lately has been on Türkiye and northern Syria where, at the time of composing this Persecution & Prayer Alert report, more than 20,000 people have died as a result of the catastrophe. In addition, tens of thousands of survivors have been left homeless amid the cold of winter. Reports from Christians in an affected area reveal the extensive suffering taking place due to the loss of loved ones and the tremendous need for surviving victims to receive blankets, food and other important necessities required to sustain life.

• Foreign Christian Workers Expelled

  

  Last year, at least thirty-five foreign Christian workers were expelled from Turkey, as their permits had been either revoked or denied renewal. So far this year, the number of those forced to leave the country has already reached sixteen. The latest of those workers are Joy Subaşıgüller and Pastor Zach Balon, both from the United States.

• Christians At Risk

  

  When American troops pulled out of Syria, and Turkish troops moved in to establish a "safe zone" in northeast Syria, there were understandable concerns about the safety of the people living in this area. Turkish authorities gave assurances that their forces would not persecute religious minorities, including a significant number of Christians. However, recent reports have indicated otherwise.

• Teacher Dismissed for Social Media Posts

  

  A Christian teacher has been dismissed from her teaching job after the press accused her of conducting missionary activities through social media. Esma Bağci Kaya had been teaching religion and morality at the Hasan Fatma Onal Anadolu High School, a private school in Kusadasi, for the past two years.

• Turkish Offensive Raises Concerns for Christians

  

  As the Turkish military, along with allied Syrian rebels, continue their operation against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, Christian communities are concerned about the repercussions that may follow. While the campaign is not religiously motivated, believers in the region face particular vulnerabilities.

• Entry Ban on Christian Workers

  

  For years, Turkey has placed restrictions on religious leadership training. As a result, many pastors in the country have been foreign nationals. However, new visa restrictions are now being placed on foreign religious workers entering the country.

• Verdict Upheld in Malatya Murder Case

  

  On April 18th, 2007, three Christian workers at a publishing house in Malatya, Turkey, were tortured and murdered (see this report). Ultimately five men were convicted and given three consecutive life sentences. Although an appeal was heard on January 23rd, the sentences were upheld.

• Andrew Brunson Released!

  

  Christians in Turkey and around the world are praising God for the release of Andrew Brunson from Turkish captivity. While the charges were not dropped, the court ruled on October 12th that he should be released for good behaviour and time served. He was allowed to leave the country and return to the United States. (Previous report.)

  While we are thankful for his release, it is disappointing that he was convicted on bogus terrorism charges. According to Middle East Concern, Andrew's lawyer in Turkey will be appealing the conviction and sentence in order to clear his name.

• Upcoming Hearing and Appeal in Brunson Case

  

  In the next hearing, which is to be held tomorrow, October 12th, Pastor Andrew Brunson is scheduled to answer to charges related to terrorism and espionage. If convicted, Pastor Brunson could face up to 35 years in prison. The case has resulted in international strain, including U.S. sanctions and tariffs against Turkey.

  In a further development, Pastor Brunson's lawyer filed an appeal to the Turkish Constitutional Court, the highest court in the country. This appeal, which was filed on October 3rd, calls for his release from house arrest. For more information on the case against Pastor Brunson, visit our Turkey Country Report.

• House Arrest for Andrew Brunson

  

  In a story that carries strong political overtones, American pastor Andrew Brunson was transferred from prison to house arrest on July 25th, despite a rejected appeal only days before. It was speculated that the move had taken place in an effort to diffuse tensions between the United States and Turkey over Pastor Brunson's arrest and imprisonment.

  It is certainly an answer to prayer that he is no longer in prison. Yet the fact remains that he is still restricted and faces charges carrying very harsh penalties. David Curry from Open Doors USA affirmed, "While we are cautiously optimistic based on what we heard...there are still troubling factors. These trials can go on for a long time, and he's not been totally vindicated." For more information on Pastor Brunson's case, see this report.