Akpınar Responds to Black Wreath Protest Over ‘Close the Borders’ Remarks

The protest was announced after Akpınar’s remarks calling to “close the borders,” prompting the Workers’ Association to declare they would leave a black wreath at the DP headquarters in protest. In a written statement posted on his personal social media account, Akpınar rejected accusations that his comments targeted workers commuting to the south.

He emphasized, “This statement should not be interpreted as an intention or call to restrict the passage of our workers who have to work in the south.” Akpınar recalled that the Republic of Cyprus has been pursuing arrest efforts through INTERPOL and the EU against Turkish Cypriots living in the north and investors based on property lawsuits, threatening not only individual rights but also “the economic future and political existence of our people.”

A participant in a recent television program, Akpınar explained that his remarks on crossing points were made in the context of evaluating necessary security and legal measures against these threats. He added, “My call to close the borders was a statement made to emphasize the gravity of the situation.”

Addressing the black wreath protest, Akpınar acknowledged it as a form of free expression but reminded that “the political institution is responsible not only for being the voice of the people but also for uniting the community, protecting rights, and maintaining social peace.”

He concluded, “Our doors remain open for sincere dialogue and common sense,” reaffirming his commitment to contribute at all levels to the Cyprus negotiation process.