Newsroom
Turkish Cypriot journalists rallied Monday to protest proposed changes to the “criminal code” and the “information law,” warning that the measures could threaten freedom of thought, freedom of the press, and the public’s right to information.
Members of the Turkish Cypriot Journalists’ Union (KTGB) and the Press Workers’ Union (Basın-Sen) gathered outside the “parliament” in the occupied north, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the draft bills. Representatives from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), independent lawmakers, and the mayor of occupied Nicosia, Mehmet Harmancı, also attended.
Ali Kismir, president of Basın-Sen, said the unions are demanding the full withdrawal of the proposed laws, accusing the administration of trying to silence opposition voices by copying legislation from Turkey. “We do not want a police state,” Kismir said.
KTGB President Efdal Keser warned that the draft laws contain vague language that could restrict civil liberties and curtail press freedom. He added that if authorities fail to respond, the protests will escalate with tents outside the “parliament” and banners in Greek to draw international attention.
A joint statement from the unions said the proposed measures would grant the “police” judicial powers, effectively criminalizing criticism of the authorities and paving the way for an authoritarian regime.
Journalists and human rights observers say the moves threaten one of the few independent voices left in the Turkish Cypriot community, highlighting growing tensions over freedom of expression in the north.
