Ersan Arıklı, "minister of public works and transport" in the north, posted insulting remarks on social media after reports emerged that the Republic of Cyprus is preparing a new arrest warrant over the 1996 killing of Tassos Isaac in Deryneia.
One of five men already wanted internationally
According to Turkish Cypriot online media, Arıklı is one of five people wanted on international arrest warrants in connection with the case. He was arrested in 2012 at an airport in Kyrgyzstan under an international warrant but was released following Turkish intervention.
Claims Cypriot side is 're-digging' the case
In his social media post, Arıklı claimed that the Greek Cypriot side was "re-digging up" the issue and preparing new warrants "for certain names, including my own."
Used insulting language unusual for a politician
Arıklı responded with characterisations described as unprecedented for a political figure, using a derogatory Turkish saying typically applied to someone who, believing they have nothing left to lose, behaves provocatively or without restraint. According to reports, the proverb he used describes "the dog that wants to get shot peering over the wall of the mosque," understood as a reference to the Republic of Cyprus as the dog, and to himself as the one doing the shooting.
Called Turkish Cypriot supporters of the initiative 'bastards'
He described Turkish Cypriots who support the Cypriot initiative as "bastards," citing an Ottoman-era short story by writer Ömer Seyfettin that refers to "traitors."
