Greek Orthodox Church Sues Turkey Over Access to Religious Sites In Cyprus

November 24, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: The Guardian

Wire Service: AP

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/24/greek-orthodox-church-sues-turkey

The Greek Orthodox church of Cyprus has taken Turkey to the European court of human rights over allegedly preventing the 500 Greek Cypriots living in the Turkish north worshipping at religious sites there, a church lawyer said today.

The lawsuit concerns 520 churches, monasteries, chapels and cemeteries under Turkish control since Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974, said Simos Angelides. The north's Greek Cypriot community cannot worship at these sites because they are either derelict or have been converted into mosques, army barracks, stables or nightclubs, he added.