Greece: Greek court sentences four Western Thrace Turks over mufti protest.

SHOTLIST: XANTHI, GREECE (JUNE 18, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE GATHERED AND WAITING OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE IN XANTHI 2. VARIOUS OF ELECTED MUFTI OF XANTHI MUSTAFA TRAMPA AND ACCOMPANYING DELEGATION EXITING COURT BUILDING AS SUPPORTERS CHEER ON 3. TRAMPA MAKING STATEMENT TO JOURNALISTS FOLLOWING VERDICT (Turkish) 4. DEFENSE LAWYER AHMET KARA ADDRESSING PRESS OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE (Turkish)XANTHI, GREECE - JUNE 18: A Greek court in Xanthi sentenced four Western Thrace Turks to 17 months in prison each on Thursday, June 18, for protesting state-appointed religious officials. The court convicted the defendants for allegedly blocking state-appointed muftis from entering the Cinar Mosque in October 2024, though it subsequently suspended the sentences and converted them into fines. A large crowd from the Turkish minority remained outside the courthouse throughout the 14-hour hearing to demonstrate solidarity with the defendants. Following the ruling, Xanthi's elected Mufti Mustafa Trampa stated that the trial directly affected the religious freedoms and minority rights of the entire Western Thrace Turkish community. Defense attorney Ahmet Kara rejected the verdict and announced plans to appeal the decision to a higher court, noting their readiness to carry the case to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary. The Turkish minority in Greece consistently opposes the state appointment of muftis and religious foundation boards, demanding the right to elect their own religious leaders.