Cultural heritage
Turkey violated international law by converting the Byzantine-era cathedral into a mosque, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America claims.
The president is threatening 10-year prison sentences for anyone who vandalizes a monument. He has destroyed four himself, including one honoring Native American cultural heritage.
The president's threat to target cultural sites was in keeping with his longstanding disregard for international law.
Destroying cultural property during armed conflict is considered a war crime under international law, one the U.S. has decried in the past.
