Reaction from AKP's Tarhan: ECHR ruling is null and void in the eyes of Alevis and Turkey

AKP Central Decision and Administrative Board (MKYK) member Metin Tarhan evaluated the European Court of Human Rights' (ECHR) recognition of Alevism as a belief separate from Islam, following an application by the Federation of Alevi Communities in Austria (ATF).

"IT IS NULL AND VOID"

Responding to questions from Esra Elönü on Kanal 24, Tarhan said, "The European Court of Human Rights' decision is null and void both in the eyes of Alevis and in the eyes of the Republic of Turkey."

Tarhan stated, "While our country is establishing its national unity and solidarity, and our state is taking rational steps regarding Alevis, it is necessary to consider that there may unfortunately be factions that do not want this."

WHAT HAD HAPPENED?

The European Court of Human Rights recognized Alevism as a belief separate from Islam following an application by the Federation of Alevi Communities in Austria (ATF).

Based on Article 9 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, which states, "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance," the ECHR accepted that Alevism is a belief separate from Islam.