Two Greek citizens have been jailed in Istanbul after an incident inside the Hagia Sophia.
According to reports, the two arrested men unfurled a flag with a Byzantine symbol and a related message, without realizing that they were being recorded by security cameras. The incident reportedly took place on Maundy Thursday, with Turkish authorities intervening immediately.
The two Greeks were stopped before leaving Turkey and face charges of inciting hatred and offending public sentiment. Their passports have been confiscated and they are being held in different prisons – the 42-year-old in the Asian side of the city and his 35-year-old wife in another prison.
The Greek Consulate in Istanbul is in constant communication with the prisoners, closely monitoring the case.
In parallel, the two detainees have already approached a Turkish lawyer, who is preparing their defense. Initially there were difficulties due to financial constraints, but their relative from abroad covered the necessary expenses for their legal representation.
The case is currently at the preliminary investigation stage, with the families of the two Greeks expressing deep concern, as in similar cases there may be a significant period of time before an indictment is issued and a trial set.
For now, the two detainees remain on hold pending further developments, with no indication of immediate deportation before the judicial process is complete.
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