Protests in England to lower the TRNC flag

Turkish Cypriots living in the UK protested Mayor Grace Williams, who ordered the TRNC flag hoisted on the pole in front of Waltham Forest Municipality on November 15, after the Greek Cypriots' reactions.

A large number of Turkish Cypriots gathered in front of the Waltham Forest City Hall in the capital, London, chanting "We want justice", "Hands off our flag, get rid of our identity", "We exist. We are Turkish Cypriots", "No to racism", with TRNC and Turkish flags in their hands.

The Turkish Cypriots participating in the demonstration demanded the resignation of Mayor Williams.

Leyla Kemal, one of the participants in the protest, said that they had gathered to protest the injustice and inequality against the Turkish Cypriots.

Stating that their flags were lowered on the grounds that Britain does not officially recognize the TRNC, he said, "Our homeland may not be recognized, but we are Turkish Cypriots. This is how we define ourselves and this flag is our identity. No one can tell us to hide our identity." she said.

Pointing out that many ethnic groups live in the region and that the flags of these groups are hung on special occasions, Kemal said that the Turkish Cypriots also made a request to wave their flag, and this request was accepted, but the flag was later lowered.

Kemal stated that they did not apologize in any way after the TRNC flag was lowered, and that, in return, he apologized to those who demanded that the flag be lowered.

Leyla Kemal said, "This is a great disrespect. They dragged our flag into the basket and threw it into the barn." he said.

"OUR FLAG IS OUR IDENTITY"

Underlining that if other minorities are given the right to fly a flag, it should be given to the Turkish Cypriots as well. used the phrases.

Saying that they wanted Mayor Grace Williams to resign, who ordered the flag to be taken down, Kemal stated that they would fight until they get their rights.

Kemal stated that the members of the municipal council will hold a meeting today and that they will voice the complaints and demands of the Turkish Cypriots at this meeting.

Saying that they expect a positive answer, Kemal said, "If we do not get a positive answer, it will come back. If necessary, we will come here every year and protest." said.

Turkish Cypriots raised their flags at a ceremony held in front of Waltham Forest City Hall on November 15, on the occasion of the 38th anniversary of the founding of the TRNC. After the ceremony, officials came and lowered the flag.

In his statement regarding the incident, Williams apologized to the Greek Cypriots for "the situation caused by the raising of the flag of Northern Cyprus", citing Britain's refusal to recognize the TRNC for lowering the flag.

SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN STARTED

In the petition launched at "https://www.change.org/p/resignation-of-grace-williams-leader-of-waltham-forest-council-for-racism", Williams submitted to the complaints of a small anti-Turkish racist group. said to have bent.

In the campaign text, which drew attention to the fact that Britain did not recognize Tibet, but Williams allowed the Tibetan flag, it was argued that the Mayor's prioritized Greek Cypriots and the expressions in his apology statement were "racist and Islamophobic".

In the text demanding the resignation of Williams, which is noted that he will no longer be in office, Williams said, "We also demand that Waltham Forest Municipality apologize to the thousands of Turkish Cypriot residents living in the town. Racism and discrimination have no place in any civilized society." expression was used.

While more than 2,800 signatures have been collected in the campaign so far, Turkish Cypriots have been asked to reach the municipality and file a complaint at the address "http://north-cyprus-exists.com/walthamforestcouncil.html".