Attacker Released; Victim Remains in a Coma

Nearly a month after being beaten for distributing Christian literature on October 23 in Orhangazi in northwestern Turkey (see https://www.vomcanada.com/tr-2003-11-05.htm), Yakup Cindilli remains in a coma as a result of his injuries. On November 18, a court ordered one of the three accused of beating him and Tufan Orhan to be released, following intense public pressure. Metin Yildiran, president of the local chapter of the right-wing Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) was released as around one thousand supporters cheered. According to a November 21 report from Compass Direct, the court refused to release the other two men until a report on Cindilli's condition was submitted. Yilidiran admits to being present during the incident but they claim that Cindilli had slipped and fallen while they were arguing. The next hearing will be on December 17.

A doctor treating Cindilli reports "tiny, daily improvement" in his condition, saying that, despite being unconscious, he uttered a word or two for the first time last week.

Pray for continued improvement for Cindilli and that there will be no permanent damage. Pray for justice and that the courts will not be swayed by public pressure. Pray for continued opportunities for Christians to share the Gospel of Christ in Turkey.

  • Current Ministry Project

    VOMC helps to equip Christians by providing biblical and discipleship resources.

    Project Funds: Equipping the Saints

  • Country Information

    Population
    83,593,483 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Turkish (70-75), Kurdish (19), other minorities (7-12)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (99.8), other (0.2)

    Leader
    President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (2014)

    Government type
    Parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system derived from various European continental legal systems

    Sources: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Turkey

    Prayerfully uphold those who have had their churches and places of worship taken over by a government that does not represent their beliefs, values or ordinances. Ask the Lord to oversee the mediation process as church officials and government representatives endeavour to work out a solution that is both honouring to Him and fair to all the members of the various churches. Despite the challenges experienced by the believers of this country, may they have a sense of God's reassuring presence and peace, knowing that one day He will reign supremely and justly over the entire earth.

Select a Region

Türkiye News

  • Authorities Prevent Church from Obtaining Land
    A view from Diclekent Boulevard, Diyarbakir.
    Diyarbakir, Türkiye
    Photo: Wikimedia / chansey (cc)

    The Diyarbakir Protestant Church Foundation began with members gathering in a home more than 20 years ago. In 2019, the congregants moved into a dedicated church building and became a legally recognized organization. Over the years, the ministry has grown to encompass more than 100 people – a number far too large for the limited space of the premises where they are currently meeting. As a result, these believers have been seeking suitable land so they can build a larger facility that will better accommodate their growing needs. Unfortunately, their efforts to obtain a potential property have been continually ignored or turned down by governing officials.

    Read more...

  • Gunmen Attack Worship Service
    The grounds of the church where the shooting took place.
    Santa Maria Catholic Church

    On the morning of January 28th, two gunmen entered the Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul, Türkiye. Wearing masks, the men walked into the church, shot into the air, and then killed one person. Security footage shows the gun apparently jamming just before the men left.

    Read more...

  • Asylum Seekers Face Deportation
    Ninous Italiaee with his wife and child.
    Pastor Ninous Italiaee’s family before his detainment.
    Photo: Article18

    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.

    Read more...

  • Foreign Christian Workers Expelled
    Joy Subasiguller - Photo: Facebook / Joy Subasiguller
    Joy Subaşıgüller and her family
    Photo: Facebook / Joy Subaşıgüller

    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.

    Read more...

View All

Türkiye Videos

 
Turkey: Andrew Brunson's Testimony
/component/allvideoshare/category/turkey.htm
 
Turkey: God’s Hostage, the imprisonment of Andrew Brunson
/component/allvideoshare/category/turkey.htm
 
Turkey: Malatya Martyrs
/component/allvideoshare/category/turkey.htm