Ankara:Trkiye has expressed criticism towards Greece, accusing it of disregarding the rights and religious freedoms of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace by appointing muftis in the regions of Komotini and Xanthi.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement highlighting Greece's continued neglect of the minority's rights and freedoms, which are guaranteed under the Lausanne Peace Treaty and various international agreements. The ministry referred to the appointed individuals as "so-called muftis."

The Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized that the institution of the Mufti is essential to the religious, social, and cultural identity of the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace. The ministry criticized Greece for refusing to recognize the Muftis elected by the Turkish Minority, describing it as an official minority in the country. This refusal, According to ministry, ignores the minority's will and religious freedom, revealing what it calls a distorted perspective on fundamental human rights.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has urged Greek authorities to acknowledge the Muftis elected by the minority and cease their efforts to impose appointed muftis.