Koray Basdogrultmaci was arrested for flying three flags of South Cyprus outside his shop in Famagusta which he says that he did this as a protest against Turkey Prime Minister Recep Erdogan and in support of the Gezi park protestors. In addition the man said he was protesting at the exclusion of the TRNC from the Mediterranean games, currently being held in Mersin Turkey.
The Mediterranean Games is a multi-sport event, much like the Summer Olympics (albeit on a much smaller scale), with participation exclusively from countries around the Mediterranean Sea where Europe, Africa and Asia meet. The Games started in 1951 and are held every four years
The games started last Thursday in Mersin and will last 10 days. 24 countries are competing in 27 events.
South Cyprus is attending the games but not the TRNC because it does not officially exist. This has caused much criticism and a feeling amongst North Cyprus citizens that Turkey has let them down.
According to a police statement, Mr Basdogrultmacı raised the three flags yesterday afternoon saying ‘I do not recognise the fake flag of a fake country, these are my flags.’
When police arrived they were resisted by family and wife of Mr Basdogrultmacı so they were placed under arrest.
