The Initiative for the Protection of Rights organized a protest at the Metehan Border Crossing, with representatives from the Cyprus Turkish Contractors Union, Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry, Cyprus Turkish Hoteliers Association, Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce, Cyprus Turkish Bar Association, and Cyprus Turkish Real Estate Agents Association, among others. The protest condemned the actions of the Greek Cypriot leadership for increasing tensions and undermining reconciliation efforts, while also calling for the release of individuals detained for their involvement in the real estate market.

“You Will Not Eradicate the Turkish Cypriots”

Protesters marched under banners proclaiming, “You Will Not Eradicate the Turkish Cypriots,” and emphasized that the property issue could be resolved through the Immovable Property Commission (IPC). The economic attacks launched by the Greek Cypriot side, using the property issue as a tool, were denounced as hindering peace efforts.

A statement, read by Cyprus Turkish Bar Association President Hasan Esendağlı in Turkish and English, was presented to officials for delivery to the UN Peacekeeping Force and the European Union. The protest also highlighted that property issues transcend local concerns, touching on matters of international human rights and justice.

Call for Resolution and End to Isolation

Esendağlı pointed out that the Turkish Cypriots have long supported solutions to the Cyprus problem, citing their support for the Annan Plan and the Crans-Montana negotiations. He stressed that the unwillingness of the Greek Cypriot side to compromise has led to continued deadlock and unjust isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. The international community’s failure to end this isolation further fuels tensions, according to Esendağlı.

Criticism of Legal Actions Against Businesspeople

The protest also condemned recent legal actions initiated by the Greek Cypriot leadership, which are seen as politically motivated attempts to target Turkish Cypriots and their business operations. Esendağlı stated that these actions not only violate fundamental human rights but also threaten economic stability on the island.

Immovable Property Commission as an Effective Mechanism

The IPC, recognized by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), was upheld as a legitimate and effective mechanism for resolving property disputes. Esendağlı stressed that arrests and prosecutions, particularly the recent detentions of businessmen Şimon Aykut, Ewa Künzel, Ilona Lesko, and Melinda Ladanyi, are counterproductive and harmful to reconciliation efforts.

The protest concluded with a firm commitment to upholding international law and standing against any attempts to extinguish the Turkish Cypriot presence.