Turkish-Cypriot academic denied entry to Turkey

Turkish-Cypriot academic and artist Senih Cavusoglu was denied entry to Turkey upon his arrival at Antalya Airport. Authorities invoked the N-82 entry code, which is typically used for individuals suspected of activities against national security. Cavusoglu, known for his satirical collages criticizing both the administration in Northern Cyprus and the government in Turkey, was held at the airport pending deportation back to the occupied areas of Cyprus. Tufan Erhurman, a Turkish-Cypriot leader, stated he has engaged with Turkish authorities to resolve the issue and address the uncertainty surrounding such travel bans. Several other Turkish-Cypriot figures, including activists and academics, have faced similar deportation measures between 2020 and 2022. Erhurman emphasized that Turkish-Cypriot citizens have the right to receive information from the relevant authorities regarding the reasons for such bans. Official sources have described the academic as a person of good standing, contrasting with the security justifications cited by Turkish authorities.