The Turkish Cypriot Artists’ and Writers’ Union (KSYB) has condemned the recent bomb attack on the home of Greek Cypriot painter George Gabriel, expressing solidarity with the artist.
Tamer Öncül, head of the KSYB, issued a written statement denouncing acts directed against art and free thought, and voiced concern over such developments.
According to Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeni Düzen, Mr. Öncül noted that the artist was targeted with “hate speech” because of the content of his works displayed at an exhibition in Paphos.
The threats against the painter led the gallery to terminate the exhibition, which was then followed by an attack with an explosive device at his residence.
The statement noted that Gabriel’s satirical and critical stance towards institutions and nationalist circles had made him a target in the past. The current situation is described in the statement as “an attack not only against artistic freedom, but also against human expression that seeks the voice of compassion.”