The Mufti Office of Komotini stated that Greece remains the only country in Europe to recognise the institution of the Mufti within its legal order, granting members of the Muslim minority in Thrace the option to apply Islamic law in matters of personal status if they choose.
According to the statement, the Mufti also performs the role of religious judge, creating a legal framework that is unique within Europe. The Mufti Office emphasised that this special status does not derive from any international treaty, a point acknowledged by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Molla Sali v. Greece, but instead reflects the sovereign decision of Greece.
The statement also noted that Turkey does not provide a comparable right to Muslim citizens, stating that Muftis there are appointed directly by the Diyanet through presidential decree without an electoral process.
The Mufti Office stressed that the Muslim minority of Thrace is indigenous and has a long tradition of peaceful coexistence and cooperation with Christian citizens. It added that, as Greek citizens and members of the broader European community, Muslims in Thrace aim to preserve their distinct identity while maintaining their history and religious heritage.
