turkish propaganda — Turkish propaganda aims at weakening Cyprus, according to a Polish embassy officer who spoke on Wednesday about disinformation campaigns impacting the region. During a working lunch with journalists in Nicosia, the officer presented a study on misinformation and disinformation efforts in both Poland and Cyprus.
The officer emphasised that Turkey, along with institutions linked to the northern part of Cyprus, is actively engaged in spreading disinformation. The primary goal of these campaigns is to instil fear and undermine the Republic of Cyprus’s standing in the area.
“Turkey and the institutions affiliated to the occupied side are conducting disinformation and propaganda campaigns within Cyprus,” the officer stated. He explained that these efforts are designed to portray the Republic of Cyprus as a state reliant on external powers, thereby generating mistrust among the populace.
In a significant remark, the officer noted a recent survey indicating that over 70 per cent of Cypriots rely on social media for their information. This reliance makes the public particularly susceptible to false narratives. The embassy officer pointed out that Poland has faced similar challenges, particularly concerning the spread of fake news through social media platforms.
The disinformation in Cyprus includes “spectacular examples of anti-immigrant information,” as reported by the Cyprus News Agency. Such narratives can polarise public opinion and create divisions within society.
Beyond local issues, the officer also mentioned the impact of fake news regarding Ukraine, which has further complicated public sentiment. The campaigns’ broader objectives include influencing international relations and fostering tensions with Arab or Islamic nations, all while seeking to legitimise Turkey’s presence in northern Cyprus.
