The Anti-Racist Network condemns the recent racist attacks by Turkish citizens against Africans

The TRNC Anti-Racist Network has condemned the recent racist attacks carried out by a group of Turkish citizens against Africans and foreigners recently in the country.

The Anti-Racist Network noted that racist attacks have increased, especially in the Gonyeli region and called on community leaders and local authorities to take action.

According to a statement made by the Refugee Rights Association, the Anti-Racism Network noted that racist attacks have increased recently and expressed their concern over unethical reporting practices in this regard.

The Anti-Racist Network in a statement said;

“We call the police to duty regarding the attacks carried out in the middle of the street by a group of attackers who define themselves as 'Turkish men'. Approaching their victims with a vehicle, the attackers throw water on the people they target, insult them, and then quickly drive away. Many of the victims were assaulted and victimized in their home or in front of their own home. Victims who have been attacked within the boundaries of their own living space have been traumatized by stating that they do not feel safe.'' 

Adding that more than 15 people were subjected to racist attacks in one night, the statement noted that more than 15 people were exposed to racist attacks in one night in Gönyeli and it was recorded that these attacks continue to increase.

We, as the Anti-Racism Network, would like to emphasize that this situation is unacceptable. We declare that we are against all kinds of racist attacks, attitudes and discourses.

In the statement, it was stated that especially international students were targeted in the attacks and that the attacks made the residents of the region uneasy, and it was argued that some victims who applied to the police were turned away and left defenseless against the attackers.

“Racism and racist attacks have no place in our society. It is our shared responsibility to eradicate racism and racist attitudes by embracing understanding, respect and tolerance towards all individuals, regardless of their ethnic origin or background. At this point, it is very important to take the necessary measures and impose sanctions to ensure the safety and welfare of all individuals living on the island. Therefore, we call on the police, community leaders and local authorities to take immediate action to thoroughly investigate and investigate these incidents and apprehend the perpetrators.