UPDATE- Turkish police detain 3 for desecrating Istanbul church

UPDATES WITH ARMENIAN PATRIARCHATE'S STATEMENT, OTHER REVISIONS

By Elif Kucuk and Andac Hongur Erpehlivan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish police on Monday detained three suspects for desecrating a church in Istanbul.

Prosecutors in the Turkish metropolis launched an investigation into a group playing music and dancing next to a stone cross atop the gate of the Surp Takavor Armenian Church in the city’s Kadikoy district late Sunday.

“A judicial and administrative investigation has been launched. We condemn this ugly behavior towards a place of worship,” said a statement by the Istanbul Governorship.

Turkey's Communications Director Fahrettin Altun also condemned the incident. “Freedom of religion and conscience are essential,” Altun said on Twitter, adding that those responsible will be held accountable.

“We consider any action targeting mosques, churches, or synagogues or violating the dignity of religious places as a provocation, and condemn it in the name of humanity,” Omer Celik, spokesperson for Turkey’s Justice and Development (AK) Party, said on Twitter.

Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul said: "Regardless of your faith, it is our common sensitivity to protect and preserve temples and holy places with respect."

Writing on Twitter, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said, "Legal action will be taken against this ugly act."

Vice President Fuat Oktay said disrespecting a church is never acceptable. "The place of worship is sacred regardless of faith. We will neither allow nor tolerate the ugly and provocative images of last night," he said.

In a statement, Sahak Mashalian, head of the Armenian Patriarchate, said he saw a video on social media showing a crowd in the square in front of the church having fun with music.

The statement said three people from the crowd had climbed on top of the church gate and started dancing there.

"The night watchman first told the people to come down. When they stayed there, the night watchman called security forces and asked for help. After police arrived at the scene, the group in the square dispersed," the statement said.

Mashalian condemned the incident, adding that the Patriarchate, as a spiritual center, would contact authorities and follow the official response.