Update: Hearings continue for believers accused of ''insulting Turkishness''

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Photo from Compass Direct

On May 25, the 11th hearing took place in the case against Hakan Tastan and Turan Topal, two Turkish Christians accused of "insulting Turkishness" by allegedly trying to convert others to Christianity (click here for more details). The hearing lasted but a few minutes before it was closed down. Despite the lack of any tangible reason to continue the stalled case, the Silivri Criminal Court set another hearing for October 14. The prosecution has yet to provide any concrete evidence of the charges, which allegedly occurred while the men were evangelizing in the town of Silivri in 2006. Hakan and Turan would like to see the trial conclude by the end of the year. "From the beginning, the charges against us have been filled with contradictions," Turan said. "But we are entirely innocent of all these charges, so of course we expect a complete acquittal." (Source: Compass Direct)

Thank the Lord for the boldness of faith of these two believers. Pray that their Heavenly Father will be their strength and guide. Pray that the charges against them will be dropped.

For more information on the challenges facing Christians in Turkey, go to the Turkey Country Report.

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  • Country Information

    Population
    83,593,483 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Turkish (70-75), Kurdish (19), other minorities (7-12)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (99.8), other (0.2)

    Leader
    President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (2014)

    Government type
    Parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system derived from various European continental legal systems

    Sources: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Turkey

    Prayerfully uphold those who have had their churches and places of worship taken over by a government that does not represent their beliefs, values or ordinances. Ask the Lord to oversee the mediation process as church officials and government representatives endeavour to work out a solution that is both honouring to Him and fair to all the members of the various churches. Despite the challenges experienced by the believers of this country, may they have a sense of God's reassuring presence and peace, knowing that one day He will reign supremely and justly over the entire earth.

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