Five Greek Cypriots were arrested by Turkish Cypriot authorities Saturday afternoon in the Turkish-occupied area of Trikomo.
The individuals were found in possession of title deeds to Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories and other documents.
According to Turkish Cypriot media, “police” in the occupied north are investigating whether their presence in the area was to locate their properties and check for development, or for purposes of sale and purchase.
The Bicommunal Committee on Crime has been informed by the Turkish Cypriot liaison in the occupied territories that two of the detainees are held in connection with illegal entry and disturbing public peace. Contrary to initial reports from the occupied territories, there is no accusation of espionage, despite maps of the area and other documents being found in their vehicles.
Andros Kapardis, the Greek Cypriot representative on the Committee, told Phileleftheros that the five individuals are expected to appear before a “pseudo-court” again next Wednesday, according to information from the occupied territories. He clarified that the occupation authorities have not brought espionage charges against them, as such accusations are unfounded. Kapardis estimated that for such charges, a “fine” is usually imposed, and the Greek Cypriots are then released.
The Cypriot government is closely monitoring the situation, as it believes their arrest may be a retaliation for the Republic of Cyprus’s handling of property usurpers. However, until the facts are fully clarified regarding the purpose of their presence in the area, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated today, “it is very important to have a full and clear picture of the data. Often, some [data] conveyed either by the Turkish Cypriot press or through information may not be an accurate representation. It is important to have a clear picture. We will certainly proceed with all diplomatic actions for this illegal arrest of the five Greek Cypriots.”
When asked whether the Republic of Cyprus might advise its citizens visiting the occupied north, given they have no institutional protection, he stated that every citizen deciding to visit must be aware of the need for caution in their actions and movements. He noted that the regime in the occupied north seemingly does not hesitate to take provocative and arbitrary actions, often without legal basis.
Responding to a suggestion that these arrests might be retaliatory actions for the arrests of usurpers of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories, the Spokesperson stated that the occupation regime cannot be equated with the exercise of legal arrest warrants for an issue related to human rights.
Turkish Cypriot media reported yesterday that the arrested individuals are two Greek Cypriot couples, identified as Andreas Kyprianou, Annie Kyprianou, Niki Gregoriou, Grigoris Gregoriou, and Antonis Louka. Arrangements are underway for their relatives to visit them in prison.
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