Journalists rally in occupied areas
Turkish Cypriot journalists raised concerns that planned changes to the “Penal Code” and the “Information Law” threaten freedom of thought and expression, press freedom, and the public’s right to information. The warning came during a protest held on Monday in the occupied areas.
Unions demand withdrawal of bills
The Turkish Cypriot Journalists Union (KTGB) and the Press Workers’ Union (Basın-Sen) gathered outside the “parliament” building, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed legislation. Representatives from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), independent “MPs,” and the “mayor” of occupied Nicosia, Mehmet Harmancı, also attended the demonstration.
Basın-Sen President Ali Kısmir said the organizations demand full withdrawal of the draft bills. He accused the “government” of attempting to silence opposition voices by mirroring Turkish laws and emphasized that they do not want a police state.
KTGB President Efdal Keser added that the legislation seeks to restrict freedoms through vague provisions. He warned that if “authorities” do not respond, protests will intensify, including setting up tents outside the “parliament” and using banners in Greek to inform the international community.
Concerns over judicial powers and authoritarianism
The joint statement highlighted that the proposed regulations grant judicial powers to the “police”, potentially establishing an authoritarian regime and criminalizing criticism and oversight of power.
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