Court Postpones Hearing on School Disciplinary Regulations in Northern Cyprus

The second hearing concerning the disciplinary regulations in schools across the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was postponed to May 22 after a member of parliament fell ill during the session.

The case was brought to the Constitutional Court by the teachers’ unions KTÖS and KTOEÖS, who requested a suspension of the enforcement of recent changes to the Disciplinary Code. These changes include, among other things, rules about schoolgirls wearing the hijab.

During the hearing, several civil society groups gathered outside the courthouse to show their support for the unions.

Local media reported that Sami Özsulu, an MP from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), became unwell during the session. His blood pressure dropped suddenly, and he was rushed to hospital by ambulance. His condition is now stable.

After the session, the court decided to postpone further proceedings until May 22, with the next hearing scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m.

For background, the TRNC Council of Ministers approved the “Regulations on Rules and Discipline to be Observed in Secondary Schools and Educational Institutions, and Beyond.” This regulation came into effect following its publication in the Official Gazette and includes provisions regarding the wearing of hijabs by female students.

The controversial regulation was initially passed in mid-March but was later withdrawn for reconsideration after provoking widespread public debate and protests from teachers’ unions. In one case, a student wearing a headscarf was even denied entry to class.

In Nicosia, large protests involving up to 40 organizations and approximately 13,000 people have been ongoing for weeks.