Member of Turkish Parliament George Aslan highlights violations against ethnic minorities in Turkey during parliament session

ANKARA — During a recent parliamentary session, George Aslan, a Syriac member of Turkish Parliament, addressed the adverse effects of recent developments on ethnic minorities in Turkey. Aslan emphasized that these changes have led to significant violations against minority communities, including the theft of rights and personal property, the control of their lands, and restrictions on decisions regarding endowments belonging to these communities.

Aslan criticized the Turkish government’s actions, stating that it is systematically eliminating the rights of ethnic minorities. He highlighted how the Turkish Treasury is seizing and disposing of the property of absent landowners under the pretext that agricultural lands remain uncultivated, a practice that he believes is designed to encourage minorities to emigrate.

He revealed that 57,000 square meters of land, previously confiscated by the Treasury Ministry, are being sold at low prices to individuals not from the local villages. This, according to Aslan, further exacerbates the displacement of minority communities.

Aslan called for immediate action to address these issues, urging relevant property institutions to end the suffering of minorities. He noted that many affected individuals are turning to the European Court of Human Rights to reclaim their rights and property.