U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom expresses concern  over deteriorating situation of religious minorities in Turkey

ArmInfo.The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom in its extraordinary  report expressed concern over the deteriorating situation of  religious minorities in Turkey.

Thus, in an interview with the Voice of America radio station, the  Commissioner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious  Freedom, Tony Perkins, stated that, even Armenians and Jews are often  accused of spreading COVID-19 in Turkey.

"We see the growth of anti-Semitism in Turkey, especially in the  context of the epidemic. And the same accusations are made against  the Armenians, they are also accused in part of COVID-19," Perkins  said.

It is also noted that in a special statement on Turkey on December 3,  the Commission emphasized that repressions against religious  minorities were carried out, if not with the direct participation of  the Turkish authorities, then at least because of its neutrality.  Moreover, the Turkish authorities leave unpunished crimes against  religious minorities.

Commenting on the report, Perkins stressed that the country's  authorities bear the main responsibility for the deterioration of the  situation of religious minorities in Turkey.

"This year, one Armenian church was destroyed in Turkey, the Armenian  cemetery of Van was completely destroyed. These are acts of terror,  when important places of a religious and cultural nature are being  destroyed," the Commission's representative stated.

According to Perkins, religious minorities in Turkey, including  members of the Armenian Apostolic Church, are increasingly limited in  their rights.

"I think that recently we have seen an increase in hostility towards  religious minorities in Turkey," he said.

In a special report, the U.S. International Commission on Religious  Freedom recommends that the Department of State include Turkey on a  special list, as its authorities put up with gross violations of the  rights of religious minorities.