Strike by T/C Teachers in Occupied Nicosia High School Over Headscarf Issue

Teachers at the Ataturk vocational high school in occupied Nicosia held a warning strike today, protesting the "disciplinary regulation" that allows the use of the headscarf. The strike was triggered by a student wearing a headscarf at the start of the school year.

The strike lasted from 07.55 to 13.05. During the strike, banners were displayed with slogans such as "We defend our will" and "We will not allow political Islam to exploit girls."

The President of the teachers' union – KTOEÖS, Selma Eylem, stressed that the struggle of the teachers continues. She criticized the educational policies implemented in Turkey and stated that the teachers oppose actions aimed at "dividing society by gender."

The Secretary-General of KTOEÖS, Tahir Gökçebel, accused the "ministry of education" of stealing the children's right to education and stressed the importance of the secular nature of society.