Statement by people arrested during Cyprus Independence Day parade for protest banner
Source: in-cyprus.com
Two individuals, including a well-known Turkish Cypriot political activist, were arrested during Cyprus’ Independence Day parade in Nicosia after attempting to display a protest banner, according to a statement released by their lawyer.
The lawyer, Efstathios Efstathiou, representing the detainees, issued a statement expressing their dismay at what they described as an infringement on their freedom of expression. “Since when has freedom of expression become a crime?” the statement read, adding that “Cyprus is sadly joining the ranks of countries where freedom of expression is repeatedly attacked.”
The two arrested individuals were identified as a Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political activist Oz Karahan. Karahan, a prominent figure, had recently brought attention to allegations of Greek Cypriot land being appropriated in the northern occupied part of Cyprus, linking the issue to one of the men involved in the killing of Tassos Isaac, a high-profile victim from the island’s division in the 1990s.
The incident occurred when the pair, along with two others, attempted to raise a banner that read “Cyprus Republic: The Only Solution” across from the official podium during the parade. Members of the Crime Prevention Unit approached and attempted to prevent the group from displaying the banner. Tensions escalated, leading to the arrest of two of the protesters.
The arrested individuals are currently being held on charges related to resisting and disobeying police orders. They are expected to be formally charged and released shortly.
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