Five Greek Cypriots detained for one month in the occupied north appeared before “court” on Thursday, facing charges including causing alarm and property violations.
The detainees were brought to the “Trikomo District Court” in the morning and are expected to appear before a “military court” in Nicosia later in the day, according to Turkish Cypriot media reports.
One couple among the five faces three charges: causing alarm, property violation, and personal data protection breaches. The pair has been remanded in custody for up to three months pending trial proceedings.
Couple faces additional data protection violations charge
The remaining three individuals face two of the three charges, relating to causing alarm and property violations. All five defendants reject the charges against them.
Files for two charges – causing alarm and private property violation – are complete, whilst preparation continues for the third charge concerning personal data violations. The data protection charge is considered the most serious and applies only to the couple.
“Trial” consolidated for three separate alleged offences
The “court” in Trikomo decided to consolidate the three charges into a single case, with proceedings scheduled to begin on August 28.
The case files document alleged offences that resulted in the month-long detention of the Greek Cypriot citizens in the occupied north.
Legal proceedings in the territory operate under a separate judicial system not recognised by the Republic of Cyprus or the international community, except Turkey.
Court officials indicated that the consolidated trial approach aims to address all related charges within a single legal proceeding rather than separate hearings for different alleged violations.
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