Turkish Cypriots in mixed marriages protests marched to south Cyprus parliament in protest

A group known as the unidentified people demanding equal citizenship rights for children of mixed marriages, marched from north Cyprus to parliament in the south on Saturday afternoon to highlight the problems they face.

Holding placards reading Love Knows No Identity, Mixed Marriage Is Not A Crime and Cypriot but Without an ID, the group crossed the Ledra palace checkpoint at 5pm.

They then marched towards the House of Representatives in protest of the unfair treatment of the children of mixed marriages involving a Turkish citizen who are unable to receive Cypriot IDs and passports.

The group estimates as many as 30,000 people are affected.

“Participation in the action is demanded by all people who defend human rights and especially children’s rights and the open support of trade unions, parties and similar democratic organisations,” a press release said.

In addition to advancing litigation processes, the group has protested in front of the interior ministry in the past and mobilised the international press.

They also submitted a petition with 675 signatures to the European Union Petitions Committee and had meetings with various foreign embassies and EU officials.

At the mass meeting, it decided to take action in front of the Assembly by evaluating the suggestions of its members.

Cyprus Mail