According to the Religious Freedom in the World Report 2025 by Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Turkey is among 38 countries practicing systematic religious discrimination. Released on Tuesday, the report categorizes Turkey under “discrimination” due to laws and practices unfairly targeting specific religious groups. This places it in the second most severe category, behind 24 countries like China, India, Nigeria, and North Korea, which face “persecution” involving severe violence or harassment against believers. Additionally, 24 countries are “under observation” for emerging signs of repression.
The report highlights a global decline in religious freedom since 2023, driven by authoritarianism, ethno-religious nationalism, and extremist violence. It notes a surge in antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes, particularly since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which fueled the Gaza conflict. The report also warns of artificial intelligence and digital tools being used to monitor, profile, and suppress religious expression in countries like China, North Korea, and Pakistan, turning faith into a perceived security threat.
Published biennially, the ACN report is unique for examining all religions. Pope Leo XIV emphasized on X that religious freedom is essential for a just society, protecting the space for conscience to be formed and exercised.
© Agence France-Presse
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