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Turkish Press Revives Solomos Solomou Killing, Framing it as a Model of 'Response'

Published January 22, 2026, 14:14
Turkish Press Revives Solomos Solomou Killing, Framing it as a Model of 'Response'

The Turkish press, specifically the newspaper Sözcü, has brought the 1996 killing of Solomos Solomou in Cyprus back into the spotlight, presenting it not as a crime, but as an exemplary act of strength and determination in protecting the Turkish flag. The article focuses on the role of the then-commander of Turkish troops in Cyprus, Hasan Kundaktçı, praising him for his swift response to the approach of motorcyclists towards Kyrenia. Kundaktçı details the warning he gave to Solomou and the order he issued to 'neutralize' him when he refused to lower the flag. This presentation rejects any notion of proportionality and equates the flag with human life, justifying the use of violence. Kundaktçı states he would give the same order in any similar situation, even in Diyarbakır. Despite a red notice being issued for his arrest, the article concludes with a heroic tone, stating 'May God have mercy on his soul'.