Hellenic American Leadership Council launches lobbying campaign against Turkey regarding religious freedom

The Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) has launched a lobbying initiative urging the U.S. State Department to adopt a stricter approach toward Turkey concerning religious freedom. The campaign calls for the implementation of recommendations from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), specifically requesting that Turkey be placed on the State Department’s Special Watch List. HALC is conducting a public petition drive to link future U.S. security assistance to Turkey with measurable improvements in religious freedom. The USCIRF report cites systematic violations, including restrictions on legal recognition for places of worship and interference in religious expression. Additionally, the report notes obstacles for clergy and the deportation of foreign Christian clerics. It further highlights a lack of progress regarding the reopening of the Halki Theological School, deemed essential for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Concerns were also raised regarding the conversion of historic religious sites, such as the Hagia Sophia and Chora Monastery, from museums into mosques.