The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (@USCIRF) included Türkiye on the list of countries recommended for the U.S. @StateDept’s Special Watch List in its 2025 Annual Report.

@USCIRF recommends that the U.S. government include Türkiye on the Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act.

@USCIRF recommends that the U.S. government raise with the Turkish government restrictions on clerical institutions including the Theological School of Halki, stressing full compliance with European Court of Human Rights rulings on freedom of religion or belief.

@USCIRF found that Türkiye delayed and obstructed residency permits for foreign clergy, which further constrained the Eastern Orthodox Church, who has been unable to domestically train clergy since 1971.