Teacher Unions’ Trial Over 2022 Protest Postponed to December 1

The demonstrations were organized by the Cyprus Turkish Teachers’ Union (KTÖS) and the Cyprus Turkish Secondary Education Teachers’ Union (KTOEÖS) to protest changes to the Teachers’ Law.

Speaking after the 13th hearing, KTÖS General Secretary Burak Maviş said, “Those who never pay the price for success will pay the price for failure for a lifetime,” expressing pride in their efforts for educational reform. Maviş stated that the teachers are ready to face any legal consequences, noting that they have been awaiting trial for over a year, following testimony from two police officers, one of whom is retired.

Maviş also criticized Education Minister Nazım Çavuşoğlu, holding him responsible for the situation, citing issues such as container classrooms, schools under construction, and teacher shortages. He called for Çavuşoğlu’s resignation, arguing that his tenure had run its course.

KTOEÖS President Selma Eylem emphasized that the teachers attended court while fulfilling their professional duties and accused the case of being deliberately designed to create a false narrative. She claimed the trial was part of an effort to cover up corruption, favoritism, and mismanagement, stating, “Teachers will not be swayed by this narrative. They will continue to fight alongside the community.”

Representing the teachers, lawyer Öncel Polili highlighted the injustice of having the teachers repeatedly leave their schools to face allegations for acts they insist they did not commit. Polili concluded, “I leave it to you to judge the intentions of those who filed complaints against the teachers.”

The trial will resume on December 1, with the teachers and their legal team prepared to continue their defense.