Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has responded to criticism on social media over a photograph showing him embracing former "transport minister" Erhan Arıklı following the Filo Jet ferry disaster off Kyrenia.
The image sparked criticism because Arıklı became the target of intense political scrutiny over the handling of the tragedy and was subsequently removed from the coalition administration.
Erhürman also firmly rejected suggestions that he had claimed the photograph was generated using artificial intelligence.
Offering condolences after the disaster
In a public statement, Erhürman said that, amid the grief caused by the disaster and while investigations into its causes remain under way, he had no intention of engaging in such disputes.
However, he said he decided to respond after the discussion evolved into suggestions that he had been dishonest.
The Turkish Cypriot leader explained that on the first day of the shipwreck, before details about how the disaster had occurred were known, he was informed that there had been fatalities.
"When the information arrived that people from our own community had lost their lives, I embraced everyone I met for the first time after the disaster, including members of the government, and said, 'Condolences to all of us.'"
According to Erhürman, the photograph circulating on social media was taken at that moment and only published several days later.
Rejects AI claims
Erhürman said he initially paid no attention to the image.
Later, however, he said some individuals claimed it was an "artificial intelligence product", while others subsequently posted that it was not.
"Everyone who knows me knows that I would never be ashamed to embrace people and tell them, 'Condolences to all of us,' nor would I sink to such a low level as to resort to lies or encourage others to claim that a photograph that was actually taken is a product of artificial intelligence."
"Everything is etched in my mind and heart"
Erhürman also reflected on developments following the disaster, referring to what he described as attempts at manipulation.
"During this period we experienced many things, including manipulation. The pain, the effort, who did what, who did not do what, who encouraged others to do what, and all the responsibilities involved are etched in my mind and in my heart."
He said his primary concern remains the families enduring what he described as indescribable suffering.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of immediately gathering all evidence and information related to the disaster to ensure that no facts are concealed or altered in the future.
