Turkish Cypriots to protest against flag removal

Turkish Cypriots in the UK are preparing to protest against Waltham Forest Council leader Grace Williams following the decision to remove and ban the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) flag which was raised on the 15^Th November.

A protest is set to be held in front of Waltham Forest Town Hall between 6.30-8.30pm today (December 9) while a council meeting is held inside the Town Hall.

The protesters have expressed their anger following Cllr Williams’ statement following the removal of the TRNC flag which was raised two weeks ago, which many have state dismisses the boroughs  Turkish Cypriots. In her statement the council leader apologies for “for the offence caused by the raising of the flag of Northern Cyprus…” stating it will not be raised again and that “…Our intention is to celebrate our communities, not cause division..”

Ayşe Osman, Chair of the British Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations (CTCA) which have organised the protest, made a statement on the subject and saying “There are Turkish Cypriots and Northern Cyprus is our ethnic homeland. Like other communities, we are proud of our identity and our flag. No one has the right to discriminate against us.”