Press Releases

‘Ditch the images of hate!’ EMBARGOED! cries. By Marion Stuart - 28 November 2008

While Northern Cyprus was recently celebrating the anniversary of the founding of the T.R.N.C. with joy and festivities Greek Cypriot newspapers featured large photographs of what is known as ‘The Bloody Map’. The map which shows the north of Cyprus dripping blood into the south, together with the slogans ‘We will not forget’ and ‘We will return’ has once again caused great offence to Turkish Cypriots and others who have studied the history of Cyprus.

‘Embargoed!’ (launched in March 2005) the independent human rights group which constantly campaigns for an immediate and unconditional end to all embargoes has taken its grievance to the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) in Britain, and has also launched a petition to have the symbol of ‘The Bloody Map’ permanently banned in the U.K.

The complaint to the ASA is a repeat of Embargoed!’s actions of two years ago following the symbol’s appearance in a local London newspaper advert. The group and its members galvanised the wider public to make their objections known to the authorities – the first ever public reaction to the offensive image. The mass of objections made the ‘Bloody Map’ one of Britain’s top 10 most complained about adverts for 2006.

Embargoed! Chairperson Fevzi Hussein reacted angrily to the ongoing use of the map, stating “How on earth are Cypriots of any background expected to reconcile past events in a manner which enshrines dignity and respect, when the Greek Cypriot propaganda machine continues to use vile images such as the Bloody Map?” He added, “President Talat was absolutely correct to condemn the South Cyprus authorities for their continued support of nationalistic rhetoric and “Ochi” (NO) movement. Greek Cypriots must do more to publicly acknowledge that the tragedy in Cyprus not affected Greek Cypriots – Turkish Cypriots are victims too.”

Launching the petition again is an attempt to show the British authorities that inciting racial hatred against Turks will not be tolerated. Ismail Veli, Community Liaison for Embargoed! is hoping for even more signatures this time round. He explained, “Turkish Cypriots are sick and tired of the continued use of this horrible image. It’s time the British government acted in a consistent way to prevent the spread of racial hatred – I cannot believe such symbols would be tolerated if the targets were Jewish, Black or Asian”.

Readers of Cyprus Observer are urged to consider whether they wish to support this campaign and collect signatures for Embargoed! so that its voice can be heard more loudly by the British authorities. If so, they are urged to either contact Fevzi Hussein, e-mail fevzi@embargoed.org or copies can be obtained from marionstuart@hotmail.com.


Back to press releases