Debate in Parliament Over Entry Ban on TRNC Citizens to Turkey

The Parliament convened today to fulfill its legislative and supervisory duties. The agenda included the Agreement on Consular Assistance to TRNC Citizens between the TRNC and the Republic of Turkey, but the discussions extended to TRNC citizens who were denied entry to Turkey.

Özuslu: "We Are Not Defending Our Own Citizens' Rights"

Republican Turkish Party (CTP) MP Sami Özuslu questioned why TRNC citizens were subjected to such treatment and why the government remained silent. He emphasized the necessity of consular support from Turkey in countries where the TRNC has no representation. "Why does Turkey not respond to our citizens who knock on the door of its embassy in Nicosia while helping our citizens abroad?" he asked. Özuslu stated that the process of preventing TRNC citizens from entering Turkey remained unresolved due to the government's passivity. He recalled that Prime Minister Ünal Üstel had written a letter to the Turkish Embassy on this matter but received no response, questioning the government's silence.

"At least 12 people have been denied entry to Turkey so far. We have raised this issue in Parliament multiple times, asking the government to take action, but no progress has been made. Last year, we proposed establishing a parliamentary inquiry committee on this issue, but our proposal was rejected. Now, as the government signs a new protocol with Turkey, was this issue brought to the table? Was a clear explanation requested from Turkey on why our citizens are not allowed into the country?" he said.

Özuslu noted that among those denied entry to Turkey were former MPs, journalists, and academics, and that labeling these people as 'terrorists' or 'criminals' was entirely arbitrary. "Their only 'crime' is advocating for a federal solution in Cyprus, supporting peace, justice, and democracy. So why are you, as the government, not protecting the rights of your own citizens?" he asked.

Özuslu emphasized that citizens with entry bans could not go to Turkey for health issues or even attend family members' funerals. "Ali Bizden, who was denied entry to Turkey, could not attend his father-in-law's funeral, not even to throw a handful of soil. Is this not an inhumane practice? Why is no one talking about the suffering of these people who are separated from their families?" he protested.

Töre: "You Can Think, But You Cannot Speak"

Following Özuslu's remarks, UBP MP and former Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre defended Turkey's right as a sovereign state to impose entry bans on individuals. Töre argued that the statements made by those denied entry in the past should be considered. "If you harshly criticize the Republic of Turkey, make severe insults, and make statements that threaten Turkey's integrity, of course, you may be banned from entering," he said.

Töre questioned the extent of freedom to criticize the Republic of Turkey. "A state can impose bans on individuals it sees as a threat. We see this in other countries as well," he said.

Töre implied that those banned from entering the country had made anti-Turkey statements in the past, saying, "We must avoid statements that insult, demean, or endanger Turkey's integrity and security. You can think, but you cannot speak."

Derya: "There Are MPs in This Parliament Who Speak Without Knowing"

CTP MP Doğuş Derya strongly reacted to Zorlu Töre's statements. "We just witnessed a classic Zorlu Töre. The truth is distorted, and people are accused," Derya began, noting that those with entry bans to Turkey were supporters of a federal solution, democracy, and peace.

Derya stated that the reason for denying these individuals entry to Turkey was their support for a federal solution in Cyprus. "The claims that they insulted Turkey or opposed its territorial integrity are completely unfounded," she said. Reminding that freedom of thought and expression is a constitutional right in the TRNC, Derya addressed Töre, saying, "If these people insulted Turkey, show the evidence, show what insults they made. But there is none because it never happened."

Derya accused Töre of targeting individuals. "Among those denied entry to Turkey are journalists, academics, and writers. Ali Bizden, Ulaş Barış, Aysu Basri, Ahmet Cavit An, Evrim Hıncal, Dr. Okan Dağlı—what terrorist organization are they members of? What crime have they committed? Is their only crime advocating for peace, solution, and justice?" she asked.

Özuslu: "Will You Declare Them Terrorists?"

In the continuation of the debate, CTP MP Sami Özuslu took the floor again, asking, "Are you saying that those denied entry to Turkey pose a national security threat? Do they have weapons, did they plant bombs?" in response to Töre.

Özuslu argued that the entry ban to Turkey was applied arbitrarily. "None of these individuals have been accused of any crime in Turkey. But they are portrayed as threats to Turkey's national security. This is an extrajudicial execution," he said.

Özuslu stated that the TRNC government should negotiate this issue with Turkey. "Why are you not defending the rights of our citizens as the government? People cannot go to Turkey for health issues, they cannot attend family funerals. Ali Bizden, who cannot enter Turkey, could not even attend his father-in-law's funeral. These people's most basic human rights are being taken away," he said.

Özuslu concluded by saying, "Zorlu Töre acted as a lightning rod, trying to divert the issue. But the main issue is why Turkey is not accepting our citizens and why our government remains silent on this matter," indicating that they would continue to follow up on the issue.