European Court of Human Rights rules against Turkey in clerical case

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled against Turkey regarding a case brought by two clergymen of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The court determined that Turkey violated Article 9 regarding freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as well as Article 11 concerning the right to freedom of assembly. The legal dispute originated from the Turkish government's refusal to allow these clerics to be elected to the administration of Greek Orthodox Vakoufs. The legal counsel for the Patriarchate, Paris Asanakis, who handled the case alongside Strasbourg-based lawyer Stefanos Stavros, noted that the process lasted 15 years. The court specifically rejected the Turkish General Directorate of Vakoufs' argument that the Treaty of Lausanne prohibited clergy from holding administrative roles in these foundations. The judges ruled that this restriction lacked any basis in Turkish law, regulations, or previous court decisions. The ruling marks the first time the Strasbourg court has identified such a specific violation of Article 9 in this context. The case was initiated in Turkey by Hulya Benlisoy, Atila Lok, and Petros Kara.