Arıklı Calls for Action Against Online Hate Speech, Defends Right to Protest

Arıklı said he had been subjected to severe insults on social media for months, stating, “No one seems to notice the personal attacks against me. We have completely lost control over social media—anyone can say anything to anyone. I'd need to file 20 lawsuits a day.” He warned that social cohesion and peace were deteriorating and urged collective action, saying, “Let’s stop this together.” However, he claimed this appeal was met with around 600 abusive and insulting comments.

In response to Republican Turkish Party (CTP) MP Erkut Şahali, who accused him of fueling tensions, Arıklı said, “Tell me one sentence in which I did so. Don’t I have the right to protest?”

“The State Must Act Immediately on Cybercrime”

Calling for urgent legislative action on cybercrime, Arıklı noted that a draft law had been waiting for review at the Attorney General’s Office for a year and a half. He cited the United Nations and the European Court of Human Rights in saying that hate crimes are considered crimes against humanity.

“Racism Is on the Rise”

“Racism is when one group marginalises another and denies their rights. Racism is increasing in the TRNC,” Arıklı stated, stressing that this trend must be stopped through legal measures. “The Attorney General must urgently review the draft bill, and we must send it to Parliament as soon as possible,” he said.

“A Party Leader Does Not Remain Silent”

Asserting that “a party leader cannot remain silent,” Arıklı accused the media of taking his statements out of context and distorting them through misleading headlines. “People comment without reading the content. That’s the height of ignorance. If they read it, they might agree with me. Legal steps must be taken against this,” he added.

Referring to the symbolic protest organised by YDP’s Lefkoşa branch in front of the Turkish Embassy under the banner “Respect to the Motherland, Call for Loyalty,” Arıklı said it was only a prelude to a larger demonstration planned for 26 April. “We didn’t ask our coalition partners to join this symbolic action. The real rally on 26 April will be a major one,” he said.

“The ‘Ayşe Go Home’ Slogan Is Not Innocent”

Commenting on the recent demonstration organised by KTÖS and KTOEÖS with support from 40 organisations, Arıklı said the slogan “Ayşe go home” was unacceptable. “That is not an innocent request. ‘Ayşe’ symbolises Turkey, the Turkish army. Saying ‘Turkey go home’ is a statement against Turkey and our soldiers. Everyone should oppose this.”

He added that the viral video of KTÖEÖS President Selma Eylem saying “Go home” had been viewed millions of times in Turkey. “Now there’s a narrative spreading—‘Turkish Cypriots don’t want Turkey.’ Someone needs to respond to this.”

“80–90% of Turkish Cypriots Support Turkey”

“Eighty to ninety percent of Turkish Cypriots love ‘Ayşe’. Why would expressing the voice of this majority be seen as divisive?” Arıklı asked, stressing the need to dispel the widespread belief in Turkey that Turkish Cypriots are hostile toward the mainland.

“I Will Continue Speaking the Truth”

“We are like flesh and bone with Turkey,” Arıklı concluded. “I will continue to speak what I believe to be right. If there is injustice, we must raise our voices.”