The Assyrian Policy Institute is deeply concerned by the recent conviction and sentencing of Syriac Orthodox priest Fr. Sefer "Aho" Bileçen. In January 2020, he was accused of providing food and water to two alleged Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) guerrillas who approached Mar Yacoub Monastery and charged with "supporting a terrorist organization." On April 7, 2021, he was sentenced to 25 months in prison. For additional background information, click here.

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We are appealing to international human rights institutions to look into the case against Father Sefer "Aho" Bileçen and seek the dismissal of the unjustified charges against him.