Hundreds of Turkish Cypriots gathered last night in front of the “parliament” building in the occupied territories, voicing their opposition to the imposition of what they described as “reactionary policies” and reiterating their call for a secular Cyprus. The demonstration, organized by the Turkish Cypriot association Irene and the Turkish Cypriot trade union HÜR-İŞ, with the support of over 70 organizations and led by teachers, marked the third consecutive day of protests, with the lighting of a symbolic “protest fire”.
According to "Yeni Duzen", HÜR-İŞ chairman Ahmet Serdaroğlu stressed the participation of individuals and organizations from different political circles. "When our secular character is at stake, the violation of the 'constitution', right and left are all on the street together," he said. He accused the "government" of attempting to divide society by promoting a regulation on the headscarf and of putting pressure on those who support the protests. He called on the "government" to resign, saying that it is "fighting against the Turkish Cypriot people." He also accused Erhan Arikli (leader of the settler party and "transport minister") of "using religion as an instrument to turn society against itself."
For his part, the president of the Irene association, Ahmet Deria, underlined the determination of the demonstrators, stating that "we are obliged to win this fight". He stated that the Turkish Cypriots are outraged by the indifference and marginalization they are experiencing and that they desire a future in a federal Cyprus and in Europe, not subjugated generations. Addressing the "ministers" of the occupation regime, he said, "gentlemen 'ministers'! Do you know why they all took to the streets? So that their children and grandchildren will not be like you". After the speeches, "the fire of protest" was lit and a musical program followed.
Source: KYPE
