Criminal complaint filed against Yusuf Tekin

A criminal complaint has been filed against Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin due to the "Ramadan Circular" sent by the ministry to schools. In the application requesting the initiation of a public lawsuit, it was argued that the circular in question undermines family privacy, the confidentiality of private life, freedom of religion and conscience, and the principle of a "democratic, secular, and social state governed by the rule of law" guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey.

The following statements were included in the information text regarding the criminal complaint filed by the Kemalist Thought Association (ADD):

"In accordance with the circular sent to all 81 provinces by AKP Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, instructions were given to organize a series of religious activities in all schools throughout the month of Ramadan under the name 'Ramadan in the Heart of Education,' and 'Ramadan Checklists' were distributed to students for this purpose. This circular, which means instrumentalizing religion for politics and is contrary to the Preamble, Articles 2 and 42 of our Constitution, and the Basic Law of National Education, also contains elements that will undermine family privacy, the confidentiality of private life, freedom of religion and conscience, and the 'democratic, secular, and social state governed by the rule of law' order envisioned by the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey.

For these reasons, as the Kemalist Thought Association, we present our criminal complaint, with a request for a public lawsuit, against AKP Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin on the grounds that he has committed the crimes of 'Violating the Constitution' and 'Abuse of Office,' to the attention and information of our press and our dear nation."

In accordance with the circular sent to all 81 provinces by AKP Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, instructions were given to organize a series of religious activities in all schools throughout the month of Ramadan under the name 'Ramadan in the Heart of Education,' and 'Ramadan Checklists' were distributed to students for this purpose.… pic.twitter.com/3E4RFnusdW

— Atatürkçü Düşünce Derneği (@add_genelmerkez) February 19, 2026

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Ministry of National Education had sent a letter to all 81 provinces stipulating that various activities be held in schools throughout the month of Ramadan. In this context, it was revealed that "Ramadan Checklists" containing headings such as "Fasting, prayer, alms, tarawih" as well as "Salavat-ı Şerife" (blessings upon the Prophet) and "Kelime-i Tevhid" (the declaration of oneness of God) were distributed to students. Furthermore, it was alleged that school principals were instructed to arrange lunch breaks according to prayer times.

While the practices in question led to criticisms of "profiling," educators and the Human Rights Association also issued statements warning that the practices could lead to discrimination.