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Embargoed! Slams FIA for Discrimination after its Record Fine against the Turkish Grand Prix - 20 September 2006

Human rights group Embargoed! has criticized the FIA World Motor Sport Council’s decision to fine the National Sporting Authority of Turkey (TOSFED) and the organisers of the Turkish Grand Prix (MSO) US$5 million, claiming the decision is “another example of the discrimination the Turkish Cypriot people face”. The fine, which is believed to be the largest ever handed out by Formula One Racing’s governing body, follows the podium ceremony at this year’s Turkish Grand Prix, in which North Cyprus President Mehmet Ali Talat was invited to present the winner’s trophy.

TOSFED and MSO were charged with acting in breach of the FIA Statutes, the International Sporting Code and the 2006 Formula One Sporting Regulations following the podium ceremony at this year’s Turkish Grand Prix. The organisers had invited Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat to present the winner’s trophy, who was introduced as the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, resulting in a political furore due to Greek Cypriot objections. Following a special hearing on Tuesday 19 September, the FIA confirmed that the Council had found against TOSFED and MSO on all counts.

Embargoed! is disappointed to see the record fine issued at all. Campaigns & Communications Officer Ipek Ozerim stated, “We are disappointed that FIA has pandered to the political pressures of the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) following President Talat’s appearance at the Turkish Grand Prix. At a time when the world is supposedly trying to end the international isolation of North Cyprus, here is yet another example of the discrimination the Turkish Cypriot people and their democratically elected leaders face. The record FIA fine again highlights the double-standards and hypocrisy affecting Cyprus; while Greek Cypriots/South Cyprus can participate in all international events, Turkish Cypriots/North Cyprus must be satisfied with being invisible bystanders. It is not on!”

She continued, “The GCA continues to falsely assert itself as the sole authority in Cyprus, at the expense of the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriot people, yet the GCA does not represent Turkish Cypriots, never has, never will. Its histrionics following any opportunity Turkish Cypriots have to break free of the embargoes demonstrates its lack of respect for the equal rights of Turkish Cypriots. Such behaviour merely ensures the continued polarisation of the two sides in Cyprus.”
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