A property developer accused of large-scale appropriation of Greek Cypriot-owned land in the occupied north has defended his investments, citing oversight by intelligence services and rejecting allegations of Zionist connections.
Simon Mistriel Aykut, 73, appeared on Turkish pro-government channel NTV in December 2023 to address accusations that his illegal developments in occupied territories serve Zionist interests and promote Israeli settlement similar to Palestine.
The businessman told NTV that only 105 of 3,500 residential units he built in occupied Trikomo were sold to Israelis. “We and I personally have no relationship with Zionism or anything else, and I state this categorically,” Aykut said.
Intelligence service involvement claimed
Aykut claimed intelligence services, apparently referring to Turkey’s National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), oversee property purchases in the occupied territories.
“They can buy a property after a complete investigation. Anyway, the owner of every house purchased here can own the house after being checked by intelligence services. Otherwise, we cannot sell apartments here for whatever we want,” he said.
The four-minute interview footage was presented as evidence at Nicosia Permanent Criminal Court on Tuesday, where judges Christiana Parpotta, Christos Raspopoulos, and Panagiotis Savvides are presiding.
Turkish identity emphasised
During the interview, Aykut emphasised his Turkish identity and support for Atatürk’s principles. His family migrated from Spain and settled in Turkey approximately 600 years ago, according to the NTV presenter.
“When we were small, we were raised as people with Turkism and Atatürkism,” Aykut said. “What we always want for the future is to make all our investments in northern Cyprus and feel that we are part of northern Cyprus.”
Defence challenges translation accuracy
Defence lawyer Maria Neofytou cross-examined translator Leon Aradjian, who is of Armenian origin and provided interpretation for investigators. Neofytou questioned whether Aradjian was a sworn translator, which he confirmed he was not, and challenged the translation’s accuracy.
The prosecution presented the testimony to support claims that Aykut is the principal figure behind illegal developments in occupied Cyprus.
Recognition and investment strategy
The NTV presenter noted that Aykut emphasised recognition of northern Cyprus as an equal, sovereign state could benefit the entire region.
“It is very good for all of us to have recognition and peace here, for the south, for the north, for everyone to be recognised, their human rights,” Aykut said.
Greek Cypriot businessman Savvas Kakos, involved in land development, is scheduled to testify today. Kakos previously provided police testimony reportedly identifying Aykut as the principal figure behind illegal developments in occupied Cyprus.
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