Akansoy Questions Authorities Over Turkish Cypriot Entry Bans

In a social media statement, Akansoy argued that the individuals facing such restrictions pose no security threat to any country. “These people are not criminals, fraudsters, mafia members, or smugglers. Their common trait is their sincere love for this land, their democratic values, and their courage to express their opinions,” he said.

Stating that Türkiye, as a sovereign state, has the right to determine who enters its borders, Akansoy stressed that such decisions should be based on clearly defined allegations of wrongdoing. “Otherwise, an approach that essentially says ‘think, but do not speak’ is incompatible with human rights and democracy,” he added.

Akansoy directed his criticism at Turkish Cypriot authorities, questioning why they fail to stand up for their own citizens. “Those in the Presidency and the Prime Ministry frequently travel to Ankara. Why don’t they raise this issue with Turkish authorities? Why can’t they defend the rights of their own people?” he asked.

He further argued that such inaction undermines Northern Cyprus’s claims of sovereignty and legitimacy. “If these questions remain unanswered, wouldn’t the world once again question whether the TRNC is truly a state? Before advising others, those advocating sovereign equality and a separate state should take a serious look in the mirror,” Akansoy concluded.