Female politician arrested in TRNC for allegedly possessing a banned book

A 48-year-old woman, a senior member of the Turkish Cypriot Republican Party (CTP), was arrested in north Cyprus on Monday in connection with possession of a book that is banned in Turkey, written by leader of the Kurdish Workers’ Party, the PKK.

Bengul Garginsu, who is of Kurdish origin, has been remanded in custody for two days accused of possessing a banned book and PKK propaganda.

The PKK is considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the USA, the EU and Japan.

Her lawyer told Yeni Duzen newspaper that his client was accused of reading books. He said TRNC authorities did not even know the contents of the book. He denied that she was engaging in propaganda on behalf of the PKK.

Reports said a PKK flag was also found at her home.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on Wednesday said that there is no list of banned books in the country.

Referring to public debate on the issue, Akinci said in a written statement that all disputes should be governed by the universal rules of law and human rights in a rational manner.

Akinci said that Turkish Cypriots have chosen to live their lives on the basis of democracy, freedom and human rights, but they also remain committed to the battle against the growth and spread of terrorism and violence.

In this context, it is necessary not to damage the values ​​of freedom and democracy in the fight against non-democratic approaches that threaten freedoms, he said.

He said that legislators should make a clear distinction between violence and terrorism on the one hand, and democracy and freedom on the other.

CM