Hearing on Hijab Rule Postponed in Northern Cyprus

Today, Northern Cyprus held the first hearing in a case brought before the Constitutional Court by the Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Union (KTÖS) and the Cyprus Turkish Secondary Education Teachers' Union (KTOEÖS). The case challenges recent amendments to the Disciplinary Regulations regarding the wearing of the hijab in schools. The hearing has been postponed until Thursday, May 15.

The session was presided over by Bertan Özerdağ, head of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts. A lawyer representing the teachers' unions was also present. Speaking after the hearing, the lawyer said the Attorney General's office had requested additional time to submit its objection to the request for a temporary injunction.

"The Attorney General intends to submit not only an objection to the interim order but also a full defense on the merits of the case. It's likely that a final decision will be reached soon," the lawyer stated.

Union representatives emphasized that they would be back in court for the next session on May 15, criticizing the fact that the ministers responsible for the contested regulation failed to attend today's hearing.

Earlier this year, the TRNC Council of Ministers approved a "Regulation on Rules and Discipline to Be Followed in Secondary Schools and Related Institutions On and Off Campus." The regulation came into force after publication in the Official Gazette and includes specific rules regarding the wearing of the hijab by schoolgirls.

The controversial regulation, initially passed in mid-March, was later withdrawn for revision amid widespread public outcry. It has been a source of heated debate, especially among teachers' unions. In one incident, a student wearing a hijab was reportedly barred from attending her classes.

Large protests broke out in Nicosia, with around 40 organizations and nearly 13,000 people taking part. Demonstrations continued last week, with union members lighting bonfires outside the Parliament building to express their outrage.