Outrage over Islamophobic act in Greek Cyprus

By Muhammed Boztepe and Muhammet Ikbal Arslan

ANKARA/LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (AA) - Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) condemned on Sunday the hanging of a Byzantine flag over a mosque in Greek Cyprus.

Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said in a tweet: "The Greek administration should stop encouraging anti-Turkish and -Islam activities that are being fanned by some dark forces in the south of the island and should take measures to put an end to this diseased mentality."

Omer Celik, spokesman of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, said in a tweet: "We strongly condemn hanging of a Byzantine flag to the mosque in Tuzla village in Southern Cyprus. The Greek administration should stop hostility toward Islam.”

"Those who promote Islamophobia will soon face the troubles caused by the fascists they protect,” he added.

Recalling the arson attempt on a mosque in Greek Cyprus, TRNC's President Mustafa Akinci urged the Greek Cypriot administration to not let this heinous act go unpunished.

"Obviously there is someone who hopes to rely on provocation. After the arson attempt of the mosque in Limasol, this action should not be underestimated and the Greek administration should not pursue those who do,” he said in a statement.

Last week, the Koprulu Haci Ibrahim Aga Mosque in Limassol city was attacked by petrol bombs by unidentified people.
Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ersin Tatar called the Greek Cypriot administration to "come up with a policy to stop anti-Islamic activities".

TRNC's top religious authority said it was saddened by the news coming in and asked the archbishop to explain the matter.

*Writing by Havva Kara Aydin