"Interior Minister Abdülkadir Aksu said the actual number of missionaries in Turkey was unclear in response to a written inquiry from Adýyaman deputy Mahmut Göksu from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
“It's impossible to work out the actual figure since their activities are secret,” the minister added after mentioning that some news reports had revealed an increase in missionary activity in Turkey and claimed youngsters in city centers and villages were changing their religion."
"“Security units are filing complaints at public prosecutors' offices against some foreigners or those of Turkish origin belonging to certain religious groups, for example, Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses and Bahaists, upon claims that these groups abuse the freedom of religion and conscience safeguarded by the Constitution and international conventions,” the minister said.
“Everyone in Turkey knows how the missionaries work. They are mostly focused on children from poor families, those from different ethnic groups, sects and cultures and victims of natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods,” he added.
Aksu said there were 88 worshipping places operating illegally in Turkey and noted the ministry had sent each of them a statement urging them to align themselves with the relevant legislation."
CASCFEN.org
No comments:
Post a Comment