Case Summary

The changes in the political scene in Turkey have caused the government to clamp down even more severely. Christian pastors and their families are being threatened on a daily basis. By its actions, the government is creating a “chilling effect” by treating Christians in Turkey poorly – particularly those from abroad – and making their mission to evangelize as difficult as possible. This hostility faced by Byle and others is a concerning trend of recent years.

As is the case across the world, persecution of Christians is increasing. Turkey is no exception. Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world and yet this issue receives limited attention from the international community.

“Everyone has the right to choose their religion and to express it publicly and privately. Being forced to suddenly leave the country you have called home for two decades simply because of what you believe is the stuff of nightmares. By ratifying the European Convention on Human Rights, Turkey has agreed to protect the right to religious freedom. We regret that the Court has failed to take the opportunity to hear the case of David Byle and hold Turkey to account. We will continue to pursue every possible avenue to secure justice for those affected by Turkey’s religious discrimination,” said Robert Clarke, Deputy Director of ADF International.