HALC Urges U.S. Crackdown on Turkey Over Religious Freedom Concerns

Hagia Sophia. Photo: asiatimes.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) has launched a coordinated lobbying campaign urging the United States to take a firmer stance on religious-freedom issues in Turkey, calling for increased pressure on Ankara through official policy channels. The initiative is part of broader efforts by Greek-American organizations to influence Washington’s approach to U.S.–Turkey relations.

HALC is specifically urging the U.S. Department of State to adopt recommendations from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which has cited what it describes as “systematic and ongoing serious violations of religious freedom” in Turkey. The commission has recommended placing Turkey on the Special Watch List, a designation that could increase diplomatic scrutiny.

The campaign calls for tying aspects of U.S. security and defense cooperation with Turkey to measurable improvements in religious freedom conditions. It also highlights concerns about restrictions affecting Christian communities, Alevi institutions, and theological education, including long-standing issues surrounding the Halki Theological School. Supporters argue that current U.S. policy does not adequately reflect the severity of reported violations.

HALC leaders warn that continued inaction risks signaling tolerance of restrictions on minority faiths and undermining international norms. While USCIRF recommendations are not binding, they often influence State Department policy deliberations and could affect future diplomatic and defense engagement with Ankara.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a patriarchal church chanter was serving a prison term in Turkey.

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