In the early 2010s, the people of Turkey voiced their concerns over government corruption, which eventually led to the failed coup in 2016. Many presidents lose power under such conditions, but President Erdogan took a hard-lined approach to maintain order. He suppressed all opposition movements and enacted specific laws to silence any further opposition. [vii] According to news accounts, even opposing politicians have and are continuing to disappear into Turkey’s massive new prison system. [viii] 

Turkey has added significant numbers to the inmate population by creating an increasingly punitive state and penal regime. [ix] Turkish prisons are seriously overcrowded, with many detainees in pre-trial detention waiting for their cases to come before the court. Though a democratic country that follows the rule of law, brutality and torture of people detained in police stations, jails, and prisons is common. [x] In democratic countries, one would look to the impartial judiciary for justice; however, the judiciary in Turkey can be of no assistance because it is also corrupt and under the control of the Minister of Justice.   

The judiciary receives low salaries, which may contribute to bribery and corruption. The state and the wealthy are favored in judicial decisions because of the informal system of punishment and reward for judges. They are often promoted or demoted depending on their rulings. The current judicial state usurps the rule of law and is in opposition to democracy. [xi] The international community has warned that the lack of open information about court proceedings, disciplining of members of the judiciary, and political influence over the judiciary is the reason why the rule of law is ignored and human rights abuses occur. [xii] 

National and international organizations have criticized Turkey for recent human rights abuses. [xiii] The legal status of Christian citizens and their institutions is being suppressed. Turkey has labeled foreign missionaries as adversaries. Christians are facing persecution in education, media, and society. Children are taught anti-Christian propaganda in schools, and those who oppose these abuses are charged and/or imprisoned for crimes against the government. [xiv] The recounting of Turkish history has been revised to leave Christians out. [xv] The government has recruited Christian informants and restricted church services. [xvi] The Hagia Sofia, a one-time cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage site, was converted into a mosque last year. Other important Christian sites are vandalized, demolished, or neglected.  

As the international community has stated, the judiciary must become fully independent, which would create a check on the other government branches and ensure human rights. Most countries would receive heavy sanctions for growing corruption and abuses, but Turkey has not. In fact, the opposite has been true. Transparency International found that foreign investment and the economy continued to flourish in years when corruption was rampant. [xvii] There is an ever-increasing Muslim push to incorporate Islamic law into the government while simultaneously expanding the authoritarian government that is suppressing free speech and human rights. Let us hope, for our Christian brothers and sisters, that Turkey changes course and does not end up being the next Egypt. 
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