Demolitions and arrests spark protest in Karpaz

Bungalow demolitions carried out under a court order in Dipkarpaz, followed by arrests, have raised tensions in the region, according to Yenidüzen, which spoke to local operators.

Hüseyin Çebi, brother of Ali Haydar Çebi, one of two partners of the Sea Bird Restaurant who were arrested, said the restaurant held all of its permits and that those who had authorised it should also be arrested. Alihan Erkan, operator of Oasis at Ayphilion, called the removal of wooden, portable bungalows that did not harm the protected site unacceptable, describing it as a blow to Karpaz tourism, and said the facility remains open.

Fırat Borak, head of the Dipkarpaz Environmental Protection and Social Activity Association, said the demolitions began because additions to existing structures had not received Monuments Council (AYK) approval. He called for Karpaz, governed by a decree since 2004, to return to a zoning plan.