A Turkish Cypriot association of artists and writers has announced it will boycott an event marking World Art Day at the ‘presidential’ complex, citing concerns over censorship, political pressure and human rights violations.
According to Turkish Cypriot media, the union said in a written statement that journalists are being “prosecuted”, while social media accounts belonging to politicians, newspapers and citizens are being systematically shut down.
It added that since 2020, Turkish Cypriot intellectuals have been labelled by Turkey as threats to national security. Academic and artist Senih Çavuşoğlu was recently included among those declared undesirable due to his political views.
The statement also referred to veteran intellectual Turgut Afşaroğlu, who, it said, has been unable to access medical care due to the collapse of the healthcare system in the north. As a result, he has been forced to appeal to an official appointed by Ankara to determine whether he is included on a list of so-called “traitors”.
“Society is experiencing a deep humanitarian crisis. Institutions are collapsing and our culture is disappearing under the pressure of demographic change. Mountains are being destroyed and seas polluted,” the statement said.
The union accused Turkey of reshaping institutions across the board, from the ‘presidency’ to the education system.
“In a period where people are under severe pressure and human rights are being violated, we cannot, as artists and intellectuals, take part in this event,” it added, calling on both members and non-members to join the boycott.
The association also called on Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman to take responsibility for defending the rights of the Turkish Cypriot community.
Source: CNA