Christian Converts on Trial in Turkey
Pastor Dale Morgan
Christian Converts on Trial in Turkey*
Thursday November 23, 2006 9:16 PM
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) - Two men who converted to Christianity went on
trial Thursday for allegedly insulting ``Turkishness'' and inciting
religious hatred against Islam, the Anatolia news agency reported.
The trial opened just days before a visit to Turkey by Pope Benedict
XVI. During his visit, the pontiff is expected to discuss improved
religious rights for the country's tiny Christian minority who complain
of discrimination.
Hakan Tastan, 37, and Turan Topal, 46, are accused of making the insults
and of inciting hate while allegedly trying to convert other Turks to
Christianity. If convicted, the two Turkish men could face up to nine
years in prison.
The men were charged under Turkey's Article 301, which has been used to
bring charges against dozens of intellectuals - including Nobel
Prize-winner Orhan Pamuk.
The law has widely been condemned for severely limiting free expression
and European officials have demanded Turkey change it as part of reforms
to join the EU.
They also are charged under a law against inciting hatred based on religion.
Prosecutors accuse the two of allegedly telling possible converts that
Islam was ``a primitive and fabricated'' religion and that Turks would
remain ``barbarians'' as long they continued practicing Islam, Anatolia
reported.
The prosecutors also accused them of speaking out against the country's
compulsory military service, and compiling databases on possible converts.
Tastan and Topal denied the accusations in court.
``I am a Turk, I am a Turkish citizen. I don't accept the accusations of
insulting 'Turkishness,''' Anatolia quoted Tastan as telling the court.
``I am a Christian, that's true. I explain the Bible ... to people who
want to learn. I am innocent.''