A ban by Transport for London on adverts promoting holidays in Northern Cyprus has been overturned by a court.
Following a judicial review of the banning order, Mr Justice Newman found in favour of the North Cyprus Tourism Centre, which promotes holidays to the destination, and tour operator Paradise Found Travel Company.
He ruled that complaints against the adverts appeared to be politically motivated and factually inaccurate. The ban was in error of law, error of fact and irrational. The judge also described it as a breach of freedom of expression under the European Convention.
Transport for London was ordered to pay costs and was refused permission to appeal.
NCTC has run campaigns on London Transport previously, including London buses last November, and had planned a £200,000 promotion on the Underground this year.
NCTC director Yilmaz Kalfaoglu said: “We always felt that the refusal by Transport for London was a politically motivated decision and an infringement of the rights of a UK registered company to advertise a holiday destination as part of its legitimate business. We are very pleased that the court has agreed with us.”
PFTC managing director Alan Suleyman described the ruling as a “triumph for commonsense”.
He added that it was a “victory for justice an the human rights of not just Turkish Cypriots, but for all Cypriots seeking a just and peaceful solution to the long standing problems of Cyprus”.
Report by Phil Davies
