Intimidation against KISA continues amidst violent attacks against migrants and refugees.

Association

As reported previously in the Monitor, the Action for Support, Equality and Antiracism (KISA), one of the leading organisations which fights for equality and against discrimination and racism, has been the target of harassment and attacks over the past few years. In September 2023, the organisation reported a new smear campaign against them, with attempts to link the organisation with terrorism and money laundering. According to KISA, the smear campaign has led to the staff of the organisation being the target of verbal attacks, insults and death threats.

These attacks come in the context of escalating violence against migrants and refugees in Cyprus.

Expression

A case has been documented against the media in Northern Cyprus, which is not under the control of the government of Cyprus.

On 23rd June 2023 journalist Ali Kişmir was forced to resign from the online channel TV20 following his reaction to the censorship of a critical article on Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar published on the channel’s website. Kişmir is the President of the Turkish Cypriot Press Workers’ Union (Basın-Sen).

The European Federation of Journalists condemned the dismissal as an act of censorship and intimidation and called on the authorities to respect press freedom and to put an end to political interference in the media.