Inspectors from the Ministry of National Education have begun inspections of Armenian schools in Istanbul, and these inspections will soon include Greek and Jewish schools, Ermenihaber.am reports.

As per the information circulating, the inspectors have informed the administrations of these schools that the admission of students who are citizens of Armenia is no longer allowed, and they have been recommended to be transferred to Turkish public schools. According to a regulation adopted back in 2012, foreign citizen children in Turkey could study in ethnic minority schools as “guest students,” although without the right to receive a graduation diploma.

The attempt to abruptly end this practice, which has been in place for about 14 years, has caused serious concern among the Istanbul Armenian community and human rights activists. The Association of Human Rights and Solidarity for Oppressed Peoples (MAZLUM-DER) is currently working on the violations of the right to education of students who are citizens of Armenia.

MAZLUM-DER told the Armenian weekly Agos being published in Istanbul that it is trying to hold meetings with civil society organizations, educational institutions, relevant bodies, and families affected by this decision. It is noteworthy that these developments are taking place amid the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey.