Fenerbahçe Supporters Association in Greece will not change its name

In a statement issued by the association, it was stated: "The Fenerbahçe Supporters Sports-Culture Association will not abandon the name it chose upon its official establishment. This is a democratic right, and it will continue to be exercised."

The statement emphasized that the closure decision by the Rodopi Court of First Instance contains legal flaws and constitutes a violation of many rights protected under international law, adding that the decision will be appealed.

CLOSURE OF THE ASSOCIATION

The Western Thrace Fenerbahçe Supporters Sports-Culture Association began its activities in October 2022 after all permits were granted by the relevant court in Komotini.

The first closure case filed against the association in June 2023 was concluded in favor of the association after the prosecutor withdrew the application.

In an indictment prepared in March 2023, Komotini Prosecutor Maria Kapetanyanni had claimed that the minority was a Muslim minority, rejecting its Turkish identity. Kapetanyanni had requested the association's closure, arguing that its name was illegal because it could "create an implication of a Turkish minority."

Vasiliki Thanou, former President of the Supreme Court of Greece and former Prime Minister of Greece, had also called for the association's closure, claiming it posed a "threat to public security." Arguing that the phrase "Western Thrace" in the association's name was used only by Turkey, Thanou had called on Greek courts to review the decision.

On May 28, 2024, the Court of First Instance in Komotini issued a closure order for the association on the grounds that the phrase "Western Thrace" in its name could create an implication of a Turkish minority.