Öztürkler: Greek Cypriot Judiciary under Political Pressure

Speaking on Genç TV’s Sabah programme, Öztürkler highlighted the importance of the Immovable Property Commission and said that arrests carried out through Greek Cypriot courts disregard legal procedures.

Suggesting that a joint declaration from the Assembly could be beneficial, Öztürkler pointed to global crises, citing the Israel–Iran conflict and the ongoing war in Gaza as the most striking examples of international inaction. “The powerful consider anything acceptable in pursuit of economic interests,” he said, noting that European Union and United Nations norms were being violated while innocent civilians were being killed.

Öztürkler also criticised the Republic of Cyprus’s growing ties with Israel, the arrival of U.S. troops on the island for training, and the ambiguous status of British bases, stating that such developments make Turkish Cypriots targets without their consent. He stressed the renewed importance of Turkey’s active and effective guarantee.

Addressing the recent decision by the Greek Cypriot parliament to recognise 19 May as the “Official Day of Remembrance for the Pontic Greek Genocide,” Öztürkler denounced it as a gross distortion of historical facts and a serious provocation. He argued that such claims are attempts to cover up actual historical crimes committed by the Greek and Greek Cypriot alliance, stating, “There is no such shameful stain in the proud history of the Turkish nation.”

Referring to massacres committed in Muratağa, Atlılar, and Sandallar, Öztürkler said, “Who can deny the children and women who were brutally killed?” and reiterated that the real genocide occurred in those villages. “History is not written through manipulation, but through documents. Our righteousness is preserved in the archives and lived experiences,” he added.

Commenting on his recent contacts in Kazakhstan, Öztürkler said he had the opportunity to advocate for the just cause of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on the international stage. He emphasised that the Turkish Cypriot people are an inseparable part of the Turkic world and called for stronger ties with fraternal nations, underlining the role of friendship groups.

Öztürkler also spoke about parliamentary work, noting that the Assembly remains active throughout the week, not only on plenary days. Committees are meeting regularly, he said, with MPs and staff diligently fulfilling their responsibilities. He added that, although the legislative year formally closes between 30 June and 1 October, parliamentary work would continue and this should be accurately understood by the public.