Reactions in occupied Cyprus over gun and taxi licenses

Reactions have been sparked in occupied Cyprus regarding the issuance of new gun and taxi licenses. The "government" is attempting to justify the hundreds of new gun licenses issued "pre-election", while political reactions continue.

The President of KEE and "Prime Minister", Ünal Üstel, stated that the majority of licenses were given to "police officers" to strengthen the police force. In contrast, the Secretary General of DK, Serhat Akpınar, argued that the licenses are necessary due to increasing criminal threats and changing demographics.

The President of KA, Erhan Arıklı, referred to the case of the murder of Elmas Güzelgülert and his wife, supporting the need for gun licensing for protection.

The president of KL, Kudret Özersay, criticized the lack of transparency in the licensing process, while RTK MP Fikri Toros expressed concerns about social peace.

Meanwhile, professional associations are reacting to the issuance of 2500 new taxi licenses "pre-election". The T/C Association of Travel Agents (KITSAB) called the licenses "unfair and non-transparent", while the "Public Transport Association (KTTTB)" requested the publication of the names of the beneficiaries.

The federation of T/C taxi driver associations also criticized the new licenses, arguing that they will worsen the sector and threatened legal action.