Akıncı: “Crime was committed against humanity, it should be punished in the most serious way”

President Mustafa Akıncı made a statement concerning the arson attack to the Denia Mosque in South Cyprus and said, “Crime was committed against humanity, it should be punished in the most serious way.”

Emphasizing that he felt great sadness due to the event, President Akıncı expected Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Anastasiades to make every possible effort for the culprits to be found and prosecuted.

President Mustafa Akıncı’s statement concerning the arson attack on the Mosque in Denia is as follows:

“I have come to learn with deep regret about the arson attack on the mosque in the village of Denia, in the southern part of Cyprus. The restoration of the particular mosque, which was attacked yet another time back in January 2013, was undertaken by the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage in December 2014. The same mosque has now been attacked for the second time.

I condemn this unacceptable incident. I expect Mr. Anastasiades to make every possible effort, for the culprits to be found and prosecuted, and hope that solid results can be achieved.

I would also like to point out the fact that this cannot be regarded as an incident targeting a worship place just for Muslims. That small but historic mosque in fact belongs to all Cypriots and humanity. The culprits have actually undertaken a crime against humanity and, as such, should be punished in the most serious way. During this time when we are doing our best to solve the Cyprus Problem, there is no doubt that there will be people who will be doing their best to damage the process. It is obvious that those who are responsible for this criminal act do not want to see our island reach peaceful days. We cannot let them rule the place.”