Dutch MEPs to Josep Borell: Monk Aho’s jail sentencing is another example of Turkish oppression against Christian Arameans

BRUSSELS – The jail sentencing of Syriac Orthodox monk Aho of the St Jacob of the Horn monastery, Tur Abdin, by a Turkish court has caused great concern among 4 Dutch members of the European Parliament. Christian MEPs for the European People’s Party Annie Schreijer-Pierik (Christian Democratic Appeal-CDA), Esther de Lange (CDA), Peter van Dalen (Christian Union), and European Conservatives and Reformists MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen (Reformed Political Party-SGP) call on Josep Borell, the High Representative of the European Union, to condemn the arrest of Syriac-Aramean monk Bilecen in Turkey.

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In questions to Vice-President of the European Commission Borell, the EPP and ECR MEPs condemn Turkey’s sentencing of the Syriac Orthodox monk Sefer Aho Bilecen on false charges of terrorism. The 4 MEPs say that the “verdict of the Turkish court in the case of monk Aho is a further blow to the foundations of democracy human rights, and the protection of minority and vulnerable components in Turkey.”

MEPs Schreijer-Pierik, van Dalen, de Lange and Ruissen ask:

1 Are you aware of the situation around and the sentencing of monk Bilecen? Do you consider the case of monk Bilecen another example of how Turkey violates human rights and oppresses the Christian Aramean minority?

2 If yes, can you ask Turkey for further clarification and information?

3 Can you call on the Turkish authorities to drop all charges against monk Aho and end this trial against him?

In Turkije zit de Aramese christelijke minderheid tussen hamer en aambeeld van de strijdende partijen. Nu dreigt zelfs monnik-priester Sefer Aho Bilecen in de 🇹🇷 cel te belanden voor delen stuk brood. Met @petervdalen @Esther_de_Lange en @hjaruissen vragen gesteld @JosepBorrellF! pic.twitter.com/kKtF3mP1vk

— Annie Schreijer-Pierik (@AnnieSchreijer) April 13, 2021