On Wednesday, the European Parliament debated the expulsion of Christian missionaries and journalists from Türkiye, at the request of ECPP MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen. In recent years, Türkiye has reportedly expelled more than 300 Christians from the country by banning their re-entry and labelling them as threats to national security or public order. In particular, the authorities have targeted foreign Christian missionaries who worked and lived legally in Türkiye for years but are now blocked from returning to their homes. These missionaries were labelled with security codes ‘N-82’ or ‘G-87’, identifying them as threats to the nation. These codes have often been applied arbitrarily — without evidence, without trial, and without any meaningful possibility of appeal. Such measures severely obstruct missionary work in churches and violate the freedom of religion of those affected.

ECPP MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen was one of the key initiators of both the debate and the resolution, helping to bring the issue onto the agenda:

“Türkiye is deliberately marginalising Protestant Christian communities under the pretext that foreign missionaries pose a threat to national security. This is a gross violation of religious freedom. I am bringing this to the attention of the European Union now, because the European Commission is in the process of strengthening ties with Türkiye. This cannot go unmentioned, and our resolution can make a difference. I hope and pray that the missionaries will soon be able to return to their homes in Türkiye.”

Following Wednesday’s debate, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Türkiye’s action. It expressed its “unwavering support for Christians” and reaffirmed that freedom of religion or belief -including the right to practise, change, or manifest one’s religion- must be fully protected under international human rights law. The resolution also calls on the European Commission and the VP/HR to raise these concerns systematically in political dialogue with Türkiye and to consider targeted measures if these abuses persist.

These strong words are an important encouragement for Christians in Türkiye. It is also particularly encouraging that the resolution was adopted with support from across all political groups, showing the Parliament’s unity.

Additionally, the resolution condemns the mistreatment of journalists. This includes Kaveh Taheri—an Iranian independent freelance journalist recognised as a refugee by the UNHCR—who was arrested and is facing deportation to Iran, where he risks political persecution. It also mentions Nujan Mala Hassan, who was shot by Turkish border guards while reporting on protests near the Turkish-Syrian border.

ECPP supports the adopted resolution and strongly condemns Türkiye’s treatment of Christians and other religious minorities as well as of journalists. Freedom of religion and freedom of expression are fundamental rights and must be upheld by state authorities. If Türkiye fails to change its behaviour, European countries should consider further measures, including sanctions.

Read the adopted resolution.
Watch MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen’s speech in the European Parliament.