Erhan Arıklı faces criticism over profane social media comments

Erhan Arıklı, the Minister of Public Works and Transport and leader of the Yeniden Doğuş Partisi (YDP), has drawn criticism for using insulting and profane language on social media. Arıklı reportedly directed profanities toward a female citizen who commented on a news article regarding him.

Arıklı also addressed recent developments concerning the 1996 border incidents in Derinya and the investigation into the killing of Tasos Isak. He responded to claims that Interpol might be notified regarding certain individuals, including himself, by using derogatory language toward Greek Cypriot actions and those within his own community who support them.

In response to Arıklı’s social media posts, Kutlay Erk criticized the Minister’s aggressive and demeaning communication style. Erk clarified his involvement in a 2011 project involving Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots aimed at studying peace processes in the Azerbaijan-Armenia context, noting that the project was facilitated by the British Foreign Ministry.