Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has spoken out against another denial of entry of a Turkish Cypriot by Turkey on his private social media account. Erhürman said he has raised the issue of Turkey’s entry ban on Turkish Cypriot academic Senih Cavusoglu in all his meetings with the relevant authorities of the Republic of Türkiye, including his most recent meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul. He added that he has spoken directly with Cavusoglu and has taken the “necessary steps”.
According to Turkish Cypriot reports, Erhürman addressed the refusal of entry and deportation of the Turkish Cypriot academic and artist in a post on his personal social media account on Friday afternoon, saying his efforts “to resolve the uncertainties and problems surrounding this issue will continue”.
Erhürman said the relationship between Türkiye and Turkish Cypriots is exceptionally unique and important. “Many of our citizens who have faced entry bans to Türkiye completed their higher education there and have friendships and memories in the country,” he said.
He added that these individuals have the right to be informed by the Turkish Cypriot administration of the procedures applied to them and the reasons behind them, as well as the right to seek the correction of any errors or inaccuracies in those procedures.
“I am saddened by the difficulties my dear Senih Cavusoglu is facing,” said Erhürman, adding that his position meant that he has a duty not simply to be saddened.
CTP warns bans go beyond individual cases
In a written statement on the same issue, opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) secretary‑general Mehmet Kale Kişi said the incident has once again caused justified concern and anxiety among the public.
“As CTP, we will follow the process closely and decisively. We will continue to defend the dignity, freedom of travel and legal guarantees of our citizens,” he said.
Kişi noted that the fact that many Turkish Cypriots – including journalists, trade unionists, politicians, academics and people from various social backgrounds – have been similarly prevented from entering Türkiye in recent years clearly shows that the issue goes beyond isolated cases.
“This situation harms not only individuals, but also the intellectual heritage of our society, our shared values, our democratic living space and the sense of trust between the two countries,” he said.
He added that entry bans imposed without explanation, transparency or predictability raise serious questions about freedom of expression, the rule of law and fundamental rights. The descriptions used and the treatment of these individuals are unacceptable, Kişi said, adding that it is particularly troubling that those affected are not informed of the reasons for the bans imposed on them.
Kişi described Erhürman’s initiative to raise the matter with the relevant authorities, in line with strong public expectations, and the steps taken so far as important. He called on Turkish authorities to put an end to practices that damage relations with the north and to reassess the procedures on the basis of law, human rights, freedom of movement, mutual respect and fraternal ties.
Source: CNA