several "patriotic" manifestations of the greek orthodox were considered a threat to the stability of ottoman power, and so martial law was implemented in the city from july–august 1909. many greek orthodox inhabitants were persecuted and sent to prison in that period. metropolitan gregory tried to intervene with the ottoman authorities on their behalf. however many of them continued to be imprisoned in the halicarnassus prison, even though martial law was raised after one month. as a result of his protests to the ottoman authorities, he still managed to have several prisoners released.