Nicosia, Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel blamed Greek Cypriots for a recent string of shootings in the north and said authorities have responded quickly with arrests. He said new entry measures have been discussed with the Turkish government.
Ustel’s claims and police response
Ustel told journalists there are “attempts to portray the TRNC as an unsafe country” and said the claims “originate from the Greek Cypriot side”. He said the Greek Cypriot side is “supplying weapons to young people and directing them towards the TRNC”.
He said there have been 16 shootings in the north in recent months and that “arrests were made within 24 hours of all of them”. He said most of those arrested were 19 or 20 years old and that a 16-year-old was used in the most recent incident.
Ustel referred to the shooting of two men at the Uluhan car dealership in the northern Nicosia suburb of Omorphita. He said “the police responded quickly and effectively to the incidents” and that “the security forces demonstrated a successful performance”.
Consultations with Turkey and entry measures
Ustel said he has been in consultation with the Turkish government and that “measures have been taken to question individuals aged between 18 and 37 years old upon their entry to the country”, while “precautions are being implemented to prevent entry to individuals with any criminal record”.
Investigation and local concerns
The issue returned to the fore at the beginning of this month with the shooting at the Uluhan car dealership, with the Turkish Cypriot police continuing their investigation.
Many believe the incidents are linked to underworld activity, while the Uluhan shooting provoked disquiet among local residents.
Turkish Cypriot Nicosia mayor Mehmet Harmanci warned that “our cities … our workplaces, our lives are under threat”. He said, “In our country, which is filled with cameras everywhere, mafia thugs roam freely with weapons in their hands. Money laundering flows right before our eyes. In this tiny region where the banking system is entirely under control, it is impossible for these things not to be detected.”
What impact do you think the recent shootings will have on residents’ sense of security?