Fifty-five Turkish Cypriot organizations ignited a "fire of protest" outside the building of the “parliament” in occupied Nicosia yesterday, demanding the withdrawal of the proposed “headscarf regulation” promoted by the breakaway “government.”

Holding banners with slogans such as “The world is discussing artificial intelligence, we are stuck with backwardness,” “Fanatics, hands off our children,” “It will not pass,” and “We won’t let political Islamists abuse our girls,” demonstrators also chanted “We were, we are, we will exist,” “Independent Cyprus,” “Government resign,” and “Ankara, hands off.”

Speeches were delivered by Turkish Cypriot trade unionists Selma Eylem, Burak Mavis, and Arslan Bicakci, as well as a representative of the "Kemalist Thought Association." They strongly criticized the “government,” reaffirming their commitment to the principles of Atatürk and to a secular system, making it clear they would not back down. They also warned that protests, including strikes, would continue until the regulation is withdrawn.

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During the protest, Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Tufan Erhürman emphasized the unity of the “people” against attempts to divide them, stating: “We were, we are, we will exist. No one will divide our children.” Leader of the Communal Democracy Party (TDP), Zeki Celer, referenced the historical resilience of the Turkish Cypriot community and declared: “Either the regulation goes, or the government does.” Umut Ersoy, spokesperson for the Independence Road Party, condemned the attempt to introduce political Islam through the education system. The “mayor” of occupied Nicosia, Mehmet Harmancı, stressed the importance of defending the identity of the Turkish Cypriot community.

Yesterday’s protest also received support from the People’s Party, the United Cyprus Party, and the New Cyprus Party.

Photo Credits: Kıbrıs Postası