The association of Kurtuluş Churches of Protestant creed reported that its Ankara church came under armed attack.

The association stated that there have been seven registered attacks to its churches since the New Year Day, asking both the government and the police “to take steps to improve their security and eliminate the conditions that lay the groundwork for such intolerant acts.”

Armed Threat

According to the explanation given by the association, a person knocked on the door of the Ankara church at 17:40 on Tuesday, April 5, and when there was no reply the same person approached to a congregation member nearby and asked for the pastor.

The police department started an investigation once the threatened congregation member told what happened.

Malatya Massacre

Pointing out to the hearing of the murder of the three people from Malatya Zirve Publishing next Monday, the association authorities said, “The Christians have the right to live like everyone else in this country, but their shops, churches and institutions have been under direct attacks. The threats against the religious staff who serve in the churches and the institutions that belong to the Christians have increased significantly.”

“As the citizens of the Turkish Republic, we condemn this attack and want everyone to oppose such attacks rigorously. Otherwise, our country will become a place where people with different ideas will not be able to live.” (EÜ/GG/TB)