**Arikli Criticizes Cyprus Over Arrest Warrant Related to 1996 Murder Case**
Erhan Arikli, the self-styled 'transport minister' of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, has publicly denounced the Republic of Cyprus for its continued efforts to uphold an arrest warrant against him concerning the 1996 murder of Tassos Isaac. The comments were reported by Turkish Cypriot journalist Sefa Karahasan from TRT, following revelations in Greek Cypriot media about a renewed warrant linked to the high-profile case.
In his response, Arikli used a Turkish proverb to convey his disdain, stating, “A dog whose death is near urinates in the mosque courtyard.” This expression is typically employed to describe someone who, feeling they have little left to lose, acts provocatively or without restraint.
Arikli is one of several individuals wanted in connection with the brutal murder of Isaac, who was killed during an anti-occupation demonstration in August 1996. Isaac, then 24 years old, was fatally beaten after becoming ensnared in barbed wire within the United Nations buffer zone at Dherynia. His death sparked outrage and led to further violence, notably the killing of Solomos Solomou, who was shot three days later while attempting to remove a Turkish flag from a military position.
Over the years, multiple arrest warrants have been issued concerning Isaac's murder. Initially, eight warrants were released, but these were cancelled in 2013 on procedural grounds and subsequently replaced by new warrants from the Famagusta district court. In addition, five warrants were issued regarding Solomou's death; however, Interpol red notices were only sought for two of the suspects, as authorities determined that insufficient evidence existed for the others.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in 2008 that Turkey bore responsibility under international law for violations of the right to life related to the killings of Isaac and Solomou. Nonetheless, this ruling did not absolve the individuals allegedly involved from personal criminal liability.
Arikli has previously faced legal challenges abroad, including a notable incident in 2012 when he was arrested in Kyrgyzstan under an Interpol alert. His detention was short-lived, as he was released following intervention from Turkey, and Cyprus' extradition request was ultimately unsuccessful. More recently, he traveled to Tunisia in 2017 without facing any legal repercussions.
The ongoing tensions surrounding the case of Tassos Isaac and the broader context of the Cyprus conflict continue to evoke strong emotions and responses from both sides of the divide. Arikli's remarks reflect the complexities of the political landscape and the lingering impact of historical grievances in the region.