In the case of Sagir and Others v. Greece the Court held that there had been a violation of the freedom of assembly and association.

The case concerned the refusal of the authorities to register the Cultural Association of Turkish Women of the Prefecture of Xanthi.

The Court found that the refusal to register the association had been based on the need to distinguish between a recognised Muslim minority and an unrecognised Turkish minority. It had not been justified by a threat to public order, and had not pursued a “pressing social need”. The Court also stated that it would be appropriate for the Greek courts to allow this case to be reopened, should that be requested by the applicants.

• Press release