General Strike and Rally Announced for Friday Against Disciplinary Regulation

The strike and rally were announced to the public at a press conference held at the Kıbrıs Türk Orta Eğitim Öğretmenler Sendikası (KTOEÖS) headquarters in Nicosia. Representatives from several political parties, unions, and civil society organizations who support the fight against the regulation also attended the meeting.

MAVİŞ: "WE WILL SAVE THE SOCIETY FROM THIS MAY CRISIS"

Burak Maviş, the General Secretary of the Kıbrıs Türk Öğretmenler Sendikası (KTÖS), was the first to speak at the press conference. He said, “We are entering a week of action and strikes supported by almost every professional organization in the country,” and continued:

“May will belong to the unions. We are entering a Red May 1st. The largest protests and strikes have taken place in May. We will save society from this May crisis. Good days are ahead.”

Maviş stated that they had given the government a deadline, but claimed the government continued to focus on unrelated matters without responding to the messages sent. "We are tired of living in a world of pretense," Maviş said, pointing out that there were still groups that wanted to discuss the issue of women's attire on the basis of religion and conscience in an ignorant manner.

“Let us be clear. No one here, neither the representatives nor members of the organizations, is making comments on women's clothing. A woman may choose to cover or uncover herself, but a child will not be covered,” Maviş emphasized, stating that not only teachers but also doctors, psychologists, and society at large agreed on this issue.

He also referred to the statement made by actor Ediz Hun, “This is a peaceful country,” and responded, “Unfortunately, those who disturb our peace are numerous.” Maviş mentioned that there was a traffic accident every day in the country, crimes were on the rise, and there had been no investments in hospitals and schools. He argued that the country was being poorly managed. Maviş added that the government should not be disturbed by criticism, stating, "If they cannot manage the country well, they will hear every kind of word and see every kind of protest."

“THIS SOCIETY WILL GRAB THE HAND EXTENDED TO IT, BUT WILL ALSO BEND THE HAND LIFTED AGAINST IT”

Maviş called for resistance against anti-democratic laws being brought into the public agenda and insisted that secular education and the secular lifestyle should not be compromised. He claimed that instead of listening to the will of society, there was an attempt to interfere with the education system and secular life under the influence of religious sects. Maviş stated, “This society will grab the hand extended to it, but will also bend the hand lifted against it.”

He condemned the vile insults directed at KTOEÖS President Selma Eylem on social media, but emphasized that they would not use the same language. Maviş stated that they wanted the continuation of the society’s existence, which had been built through its struggles, and would continue to fight for it. He concluded by saying, “Teachers have always been the guardians of culture and identity, and will continue to be.”

Maviş also noted that the country was heading toward chaos and stressed that the role of politics was to find solutions. "If those in power prioritize their interests over societal values, their path will lead to disaster," he warned.

EYLEM: "WE WILL CONTINUE OUR FIGHT WITH PRINCIPLE AND DIGNITY"

KTOEÖS President Selma Eylem also addressed the public, stating that despite the attacks, insults, and threats against herself, teachers, and the Turkish Cypriot society, they would continue their fight with principle and dignity. She expressed that they would carry on with their legal and activist struggle to uphold the principles and reforms of Atatürk for secular education and society.

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT

Eylem then read a joint press statement prepared by various organizations. She mentioned that for over a month, teachers had been fighting against the Disciplinary Regulation both in schools and on the streets. She highlighted the resilience of teachers at İrsen Küçük Secondary School and Bekirpaşa High School, noting that teachers at Bekirpaşa High School were continuing their resistance.

Eylem praised all the teachers for resisting pressure and threats, and for continuing their struggle despite harsh cuts. She thanked them and greeted them with respect. She also thanked the public, recalling that the reaction to the Disciplinary Regulation was not limited to teachers, as the entire society had expressed its will, and tens of thousands had taken to the streets during the April 8 protest.

Despite this, Eylem argued that the government had ignored the voices of its own people and ignored scientific reports from child and adolescent psychiatry experts and psychologists, while the regulation had not been withdrawn.

ON MAY 2, A FULL-DAY STRIKE AND RALLY WILL BE HELD

Eylem stated that the struggle would continue and grow. She mentioned that the fight would flare up in İskele tonight and in Lefke tomorrow night. She also announced that on Friday, May 2, the unions would go on a full-day general strike. At 18:30, participants will gather in front of the old Peyak building and march to Kuğulu Park for a rally.

“We will answer those who insult, disregard, and threaten our will and existence with this rally,” Eylem said, adding that the struggle would continue until the Disciplinary Regulation was withdrawn.

CALL FOR THE PUBLIC TO JOIN THE RALLY

Eylem called on the entire public to join the march, the rally, and the protests, saying, “We invite everyone to raise their voices and show that we will not be silent, we will not give up, and we will demand our rights for secular education and a clean, secular society.”

Eylem also announced that a solidarity account had been opened at ÖYAK Bank for those who were fighting with sacrifice, and requested support from organizations and the public. She mentioned that the petition for the withdrawal of the Disciplinary Regulation continued, with signature centers set up at the two teachers’ unions and all organization offices. The campaign would continue during the fire protests and at the May 2 rally.

Eylem also stated that the joint statement prepared in English would be sent to international organizations, including the UN and the EU.

The solidarity account number is as follows: CT33120000730000130400064041