Turkey Releases Citizens Who Defaced Armenian Church

On July 11, three citizens climbed onto the entrance wall of the Armenian St. Kaghakavor Church in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul, blasting loud music and dancing around the cross, according to ermenihaber.am. The incident was captured on video and sparked severe criticism and condemnation from representatives of the Armenian community and other Christian groups in Turkey.

In response to these criticisms, the Istanbul governorship announced that a criminal investigation had been initiated by the chief prosecutor's office regarding the incident, and the three individuals who exhibited disrespect towards the Armenian church had been arrested.

However, shortly after their detention, it became known that the police had released the aforementioned citizens following their confession statements. Two of them have been placed under house arrest.