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The Supreme Constitutional Court has postponed its decision on a high-profile citizenship case challenging the government’s policy on children born from mixed marriages. The case, brought forward by Eda Hancer Akkor, questions the denial of citizenship to children with a Cypriot mother and a Turkish-origin father who entered Cyprus illegally.
Akkor’s lawyer, Nikoletta Haralambidou, argued that the government’s criteria are unconstitutional and violate international human rights laws. She highlighted that children born under similar circumstances before 1974 would have been granted citizenship, suggesting discriminatory treatment. The government, however, maintains that its policies align with legal provisions and national security concerns, particularly regarding individuals linked to Turkey.
The case has sparked protests, with Turkish-Cypriot trade unions and civil society organizations rallying in support of Akkor. Burak Maviş, General Secretary of the Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Union, emphasized that all children born on the island should have equal rights.
Akkor, who has been fighting this legal battle for a decade, expressed frustration but remains hopeful. If the ruling goes against her, she indicated plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. The final decision, once issued, could set a precedent for future cases involving similar citizenship disputes.
With information from Cyprus Mirror.
