"The killing of three people at a Christian publishing house is the result of a "witch hunt" triggered by growing intolerance towards Christians in mainly Muslim Turkey, said leaders of the tiny Protestant community on Thursday.
Wednesday's attack in the eastern city of Malatya "is appalling savagery, but not a surprise for us," said Ihsan Ozbek, a leader of the Alliance of Protestant Churches in Turkey.
He said: "Today in Turkey, there is a 'missionary hunt,' just like the witch hunts of medieval times.
"Turkey is facing dangers and threats unprecedented in its history. The fact is that Turkey has become a place of unprecedented intolerance and rejection."
Bedri Peker, another leader of the Alliance, accused officials, politicians and the media of provoking hostility against Christians.
"With constant enmity, some political party leaders, some government officials in particular and some media organisations are turning Christians into targets and provoking the public," he said.
"Christians are being portrayed as criminals, separatists and traitors," said Peker.
Peker said missionary activities are not banned under Turkish law.
He added: "It is our natural right, within the framework of freedoms and liberties under constitutional guarantee, to practice and preach our beliefs."
Ozbek urged the government to guarantee the safety of Christians and act against anti-Christian hostility."
"Protestant blood has now been spilled in Turkey," said Ozbek.
"This very mood threatens our lives and safety."
Protestants decry 'witch hunt': World: News: News24
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