Greek Orthodox Church Sues Turkey for Preventing Greek Cypriots to Worship

The Greek Orthodox Church in Cyprus has taken Turkey to the European Court on Human Rights over allegedly preventing the 500 Greek Cypriots living in the Turkish north from worshiping at religious sites there, according to the Associated Press.

The lawsuit concerns 520 churches, monasteries, chapels, and cemeteries under Turkish control since Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974.

The north's Greek Cypriot community cannot worship at these sites, because they are either derelict or have been converted into mosques, army barracks, stables, or nightclubs.

The Orthodox Church leader in Cyprus, Archbishop Chrysostomos II, said the Church has "documented proof" of the destruction of religious sites in the north , and will seek unrestricted access to its property there, so the faithful can worship freely.