Turkish Cypriot officials condemn burning of flags during Easter celebrations

During Easter celebrations, participants in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus reportedly burned the flag of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the Turkish national flag, and a poster of former Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar. Ziya Ozturkler, the speaker of the parliament in the north, and Turkish Cypriot politician Tufan Erhurman issued formal statements condemning the actions. Ozturkler described the burning as a provocation that undermines peace efforts and social harmony. He also criticized statements made by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and Archbishop Georgios regarding their national positions. Tufan Erhurman characterized the act as irresponsible and called for the Greek Cypriot leadership to publicly condemn the incident. No official response regarding the identity of the individuals responsible for the burning has been provided by authorities in the Republic of Cyprus. The incident took place at traditional bonfire sites known as lampratzies.