Türkiye condemns attack on Turkish minority school in Greece

Türkiye has formally condemned an act of vandalism targeting a primary school belonging to the Turkish minority in Greece. The attack occurred in the village of Karacaoglan, located in the Rodopi region of Western Thrace, on a school facility that had been closed by Greek authorities.

Official Condemnation and Call for Action

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli issued a statement on the social media platform X, denouncing the attack by unidentified individuals. "We condemn the attack," Keceli stated, emphasizing that Greece is expected to clarify the incident without delay. He stressed the need for Greek authorities to identify those responsible and take necessary measures, holding them accountable regardless of their motives.

Rights Guaranteed by Treaty

The spokesperson underscored Türkiye's ongoing commitment to the Turkish minority in the region. Keceli expressed solidarity with the local community, noting that Türkiye "will continue to closely follow and defend the rights and interests of the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace, which are guaranteed under the Lausanne Peace Treaty." This reference points to the foundational 1923 treaty that outlines protections for the minority.

Investigation and Historical Context

Local residents discovered the damage to the school on January 4, after which Greek police launched an investigation. The Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board also denounced the attack, noting it was not an isolated event but part of a pattern of similar incidents targeting the community's institutions in the past.