Greece reportedly declared Turkish-Armenian intellectual Sevan Nisanyan ‘persona non grata’

Panorama, Armenia
Oct 25 2021

POLITICS 19:29 25/10/2021 ARMENIA

The government of Greece on Monday declared Turkish-Armenian author and intellectual Sevan Nisanyan “persona non grata.” Nisanyan was on a trip to Albania where he learnt about the decision of Greek authorities and then was banned from entry to the country, Nisanyan has told Ermenihaber news outlet. 

In his words, the authorities have not disclosed the reason for the measure, citing the state secret. 

“I assume my weekly publications are not welcomed by some circles in the Republic of Turkey and their concern have been conveyed to the Greek side,” Nisanyan has commented. Another reason behind the decision of the Greece, per Nisanyan, could be his recent publication where he referred to Turkish toponyms of some of the historical sites in the territory of Greece. 

To remind, in 2017 Nisanyan escaped from a Turkish prison after serving three out of a 17-year sentence for violations of a construction code. The Turkish authorities then issued a warrant for his arrest and listed him as a fugitive from the law. The government of Greece  granted him a temporary residency permit.  

Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.

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Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS