Özersay Advocates Revocation of Citizenship for Serious Criminal Offenses

In a statement on his social media account, Özersay noted that many countries have provisions in their citizenship laws that allow for the revocation of citizenship for individuals who have obtained it through naturalization if they engage in activities that severely disrupt public order or create public outrage. He pointed out that similar regulations exist in Turkey's citizenship laws.

"Citizenship should be revoked for those who commit serious crimes," Özersay asserted. He explained that other countries, such as Germany and the USA, have laws that strip naturalized citizens of their status if they are involved in organized crime, terrorism, money laundering, or similar offenses. Italy, for instance, can revoke citizenship for naturalized individuals who engage in looting, mass murder, jeopardizing public safety, organized crime, armed robbery, child abduction, or child pornography.

Özersay highlighted that the current Citizenship Law in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) also includes provisions for revoking citizenship under specific circumstances, primarily related to acts of treason or serving a state at war with the TRNC. He proposed that this law should be expanded to include serious crimes such as sexual assault, exploitation, hate speech, hate crimes, dishonorable offenses, and any actions that severely disrupt public peace and create public outrage.

"While revoking citizenship for serious crimes alone may not ensure peace and order, it is a necessary step among others," Özersay stated. He called for an update to the TRNC Citizenship Law to align with changing conditions and enhance public safety and peace.

According to Özersay, such legal changes are inevitable to maintain law and order in the country.