The hearing for five Greek Cypriots charged with “illegal entry into a military zone” in the occupied north continues today, Wednesday, before the Turkish Cypriot “military court”.
The previous hearing was adjourned following a defence request to secure the presence of a specialist expert witness from Turkey.
The five Greek Cypriots, aged between 60 and 68 years old, were arrested on 19 July near the occupied town of Trikomo whilst reportedly visiting ancestral properties.
Turkish Cypriot “authorities” allege one member of the group failed to present an identity card when crossing through the Strovilia checkpoint from Dhekelia British base on 17 July, with the other four accused of “aiding and abetting” the alleged “illegal entry”.
Five arrested near ancestral properties on 19 July
Turkish Cypriot “police” stopped the group’s vehicle near the village of Bogazi after receiving complaints that occupants were “wandering around with a blue folder in their hands” which “caused discomfort”. The folder allegedly contained information about construction company directors operating in the north and property documents.
The five have been released on bail but remain banned from leaving the north until trial conclusions. All five deny the charges, with defence lawyers questioning the logic of an alleged illegal crossing given the group has entered the north “tens of times” in the past.
European Parliament condemned detentions in September
The European Parliament voted 597 in favour with five abstentions in September to condemn the arrests and called on Turkey to fully respect human rights as enshrined in international law. European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath stated that the European Union cannot tolerate the violation of the rights of its citizens and that the detention of these people is unacceptable.
Trikomo “court” drops trespassing and causing anxiety charges
Proceedings against the five Greek Cypriots also continue at the Trikomo “district court”, which decided during the 1 October hearing to drop two of three charges. The “prosecuting authority” stated the five Greek Cypriots were discharged from charges of “illegal entry onto foreign property”.
The hearing before the “district court” continues on 21 October. Only two of the five now face remaining charges of “privacy violations” at that “court”.
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