The International Press Institute (IPI) today condemned a car bomb attack last week on Cypriot journalist Mutlu Esendemir in Nicosia in northern Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika reported that Ensendemir, a member of the group of directors of Kanal T television, suffered minor injuries to his right heel after an improvised explosive device left under his car exploded early Wednesday morning.

Ensendimir had left the television station at approximately 1 a.m. and was attempting to open a car door when the bomb exploded. He was hospitalized, but has since been released.

The journalist, who is also a columnist in daily newspaper Kibrisli, reportedly wrote that the attack was related to articles he wrote in the last 10 days criticizing city planning in occupied Keryneia and decisions by that municipality.
Political parties in Cyprus and other organizations denounced the bombing, calling it an attack on freedom of the press.

IPI Press & Communications Manager Anthony Mills said: “We firmly condemn this attack, and we call on authorities to conduct a swift and transparent investigation.”

This press release is supported by the South and East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate.