05/27/2019 Turkey (International Christian Concern) –  The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) dismissed on May 7^th a lawsuit filed by the Foundation of Mar Gabriel Monastery. The Foundation had filed the lawsuit against the Turkish Government in 2011, alleging that the authorities had violated their right to property.

The lawsuit was filed in European Union, of which Turkey purports a desire to gain membership, after the dispute between Turkey and the Foundation failed to be resolved. The conflict began in 2008, when Turkey redrew the boundaries surrounding Mar Gabriel Monastery.

The Monastery belongs to the Syriac Orthodox Church. They claim that this is part of a centuries lasting campaign to eliminate Christianity from the region. Under the Ottoman Empire, monasteries were closed and Christian lands appropriated.

The EU has censured Turkey before for not taking steps to address the property rights of religious minorities. According to the recent decision document, the ECHR’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit was because of missing paperwork. It is unclear what steps might next be taken.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].