Congressional panel holds hearings on Turkey's human rights record

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission held two hearings in June to examine Turkey's treatment of political prisoners, denial of the Armenian Genocide, and occupation of Cyprus. At the June 3 hearing, panelists reported that Turkey holds over 10,000 political prisoners, including journalists and civil society leaders. Testimony addressed religious freedom violations targeting Turkey's Christian and Jewish minorities, as well as Armenian and Greek religious sites in Istanbul. Witnesses called for expanded Global Magnitsky sanctions against Turkish officials, a "Country of Particular Concern" designation for religious freedom violations, and restrictions on Turkey's participation in the F-35 program. The June 30 hearing focused on Turkey's 52-year occupation of Cyprus. Panelists noted that U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Biden administration and all 50 states proceeded without significant Turkish retaliation.