CYPRUS: Green Party considers Turkish Cypriot journalist on Euro MP ballot

Cyprus Greens have announced that they will put together a European Parliament Election ballot list made up of independent personalities in a position to attract support from both the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities.

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The announcement said that Turkish Cypriot journalist Sener Levent, a well-known critic of Turkey and its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has expressed interest in joining their ballot.

The Greens’ decision comes after the party broke rank with the coalition, set up from parties of the Center prior to February’s Presidential elections, over disagreements on the new NPLs legislation and other issues regarding the economy.

According to a statement by the Greens on Monday, the movement will continue contacts to form a ballot of independent candidates which could be supported by various parties and organizations active in the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

Levent, owner of ‘Afrika’ newspaper has faced several lawsuits in the north, filed by both civilian and military authorities, including charges of defamation, libel, incitement, spying and other offences.

Along with fellow journalist Ali Osman, he is currently facing another trial in Turkey with larger political implications.

The case involves at least one publication in January, in which Levent passionately condemned Turkey and Turkish soldiers, likening the military campaign in Syria’s Afrin with atrocities in Cyprus and elsewhere in the world.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades called on EU officials in Brussels to intervene to “ensure the safety of two Cypriot and European citizens”.

Nicosia also reached out to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) last week, urging it to step in and defend the freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

Turkish Cypriot authorities have said they have no intention to hand over the journalists to Turkey.