Two Russians Detained in Hagia Sophia Over Bible Reading Allegation

Two Russian citizens, identified as Victoria and Igor, were reportedly detained in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia on July 13 for reading the Bible. Russian state agency TASS reported the incident, adding that the two individuals may be deported.

Officials at Russia's Consulate General in Istanbul stated they have no official information regarding the incident but confirmed that diplomats are looking into the claims. Sources within the Istanbul Police Department reportedly confirmed the event but declined to provide further details. Officials from the Istanbul Governorship and the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management did not respond to inquiries.

It is alleged that the individuals were charged under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code, which pertains to "incitement to hatred and discrimination." The hotel where the detained individuals were reportedly staying refused to provide information about their guests, citing legal regulations that prohibit sharing details with third parties.

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Currently, we have no official information about the incident, but diplomats are investigating the claims.