Russian tourists detained for reading the Bible aloud in Hagia Sophia

Two Russian tourists were detained by police in the visitor section of Hagia Sophia for reading the Bible aloud. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the suspects for inciting the public to hatred and hostility.

An unusual incident occurred at Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul's iconic landmarks. According to information provided by security officials, a report was received on July 14 that the Bible was being read aloud in the visitor area of Hagia Sophia, which was converted from a museum into a mosque. Acting on the report, police teams apprehended the individuals, identified as tourists I.F. (32) and V.F. (36), at the scene.

The two individuals were taken into custody and, following processing at the police station, were transferred to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Judicial proceedings have been initiated against the individuals for the crime of 'inciting the public to hatred and hostility.'

This incident at Hagia Sophia has made headlines not only in Turkey but also in international media. Russia's official news agency, TASS, reported that the detained individuals are Russian citizens. The agency also announced that the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul has launched the necessary investigations into the matter.  

Following the incident, the deportation of the detained Russian tourists, Victoria and Igor Filonov, from Turkey is on the agenda. The Russian Consulate General stated that the couple is currently at a repatriation center and that the process is being evaluated by the Turkish migration authorities.