Genocidal Massacres Against Syrian-Arab Alevites in Focus: Sheikh Narlı Arrested in Turkey

BERLIN — The Chairman of the Federation of Arab Alevites in Europe is calling for the immediate release of Sheikh Selim Narlı, who was detained in Turkey after publicly denouncing the genocidal massacres of Syrian-Arab Alevites by the HTS-Golani government in Latakia and its surroundings since March 2025, and urging international assistance, including from Turkey. Sheikh Selim Narlı, the spiritual leader of the Alevite community, was arrested on September 4, 2025, at Hatay Airport. Authorities also conducted a search of his home. The Turkish government has not yet issued an official statement, but Narlı’s lawyers have been instructed to follow the proceedings closely. ⁠“The arrest of an upright Alevite cleric is an assault on religious freedom, freedom of expression, and our collective memory,” the Federation’s chairman said in a press release immediately after Narlı’s detention.

Germany, Neuss, 5 September 2025

It is with great sorrow and deep concern that we, the Arab Alevite community living in Europe, have learned of the arrest of our respected opinion leader, Sheikh Selim Narlı, at Hatay Airport on 4 September 2025.

Sheikh Selim Narlı is an unwavering defender of our faith, culture and historical existence. He has made it his mission to be the voice of his people, to express his views freely and to promote peace. His only weapons are words, and his only strength is his faith in the truth.

Detaining an opinion leader solely for voicing his views clearly violates

• the freedom of expression and religion guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey;

• the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Turkey is a party;

• the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

and democratic values.

As the Federation of Arab Alevites in Europe, we strongly condemn the detention of our opinion leader. We demand the immediate cessation of this unjust and unacceptable measure, and the prompt and unconditional release of Sheikh Selim Narlı.

We once again call on the Turkish public and the international community: silencing opinion leaders means depriving an entire people of their voice. Such repression undermines social peace and shatters individuals‘ hopes. We will not be silenced, and we will not remain silent.

International Appeal

We urge the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Parliament and all other relevant international organisations to take a stand against these unjust detentions. We appeal to all institutions and organisations that defend democratic values and fundamental rights: stand with justice, freedom and human dignity.

Remember that the injustice done to Sheikh Selim Narlı today threatens the entire community tomorrow. As believers in peace, justice and a culture of coexistence, we proudly declare our solidarity with our leader of opinion.

Freedom for our opinion leader!

Justice for our community!

Respect for our faith!

Federation of Arab Alevites in Europe
Germany, Neuss, 5 September 2025