Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has stated that from the moment the Turkish Cypriot side was informed of the attack on a 47-year-old Turkish Cypriot in Ayia Napa, it contacted the relevant bicommunal committee, the authorities of the breakaway state, and the competent officials of the Republic of Cyprus.
Erhürman's statement
Speaking publicly, Erhürman wished the injured man a swift recovery and said that if new information emerges, he would inform the public.
Head of the ruling coalition in the north Ünal Üstel condemned the attack, stating that such attacks cannot be accepted.
"If nationalist hatred or hostility towards Turkish Cypriot identity lies behind this attack, then this is not simply an isolated crime, but a very serious hate crime directed against social peace, the will to coexist, and human values," he said.
Üstel called on the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus to arrest and bring to justice the individual or individuals who carried out the attack, stating that the clarification of the incident must be carried out in a transparent and effective manner, with absolutely no attempt at a cover-up.
Reactions
Turkish Cypriot 'tourism minister' Fikri Ataoğlu said it was unacceptable for a person to be targeted in such a savage attack on account of their identity, language, or origin. "This attack constitutes a serious threat not only to the individual, but also to social peace and the culture of coexistence," he said, wishing the victim a speedy recovery.
People's Party (HP) leader Kudret Özersay expressed sorrow on social media over the act of violence against a Turkish Cypriot, whose health condition remains serious. He said it is "of the utmost importance" that those responsible are identified and punished, in order to ensure deterrence and prevent similar incidents.
