Five Greek Cypriots detained for eight more days in occupied north, as families watch proc
Source: in-cyprus.com
A court in occupied Trikomo has extended the detention of five Greek Cypriot citizens for another eight days, accepting a “police” request to continue their interrogation amid allegations of possessing personal data and property information.
The proceedings took place in a tense atmosphere, with the defence alleging human rights violations whilst authorities maintained charges relating to possession and collection of personal data.
Police presented claims that the five Greek Cypriots entered the occupied areas on 17 July through the Strovilia crossing point. Whilst travelling in a vehicle, one of them allegedly did not pass through passport control.
“Authorities” said the group was subsequently spotted in a residential area in occupied Galateia carrying a blue folder, which raised suspicion. Police allege the folder contained personal information alongside details of construction company directors in the occupied north and “personal data of property titles belonging to 14 Turkish Cypriots”, four of whom have reportedly filed complaints.
The group’s mobile phones have been confiscated for investigation, with police stating that additional individuals are being sought in connection with the case.
Defence lawyer Salih Can Doratlı challenged the allegations, describing the request for eight-day detention as “shameful” and contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights. He disputed claims about the passport control breach, stating his clients presented five identity documents and no visual evidence exists to prove otherwise.
Doratlı questioned “which law defines walking with a blue folder as a crime” and demanded clarification about the nature of the alleged “personal data”, asking whether it comprised official documents or handwritten notes. Police refused to answer this question.
The lawyer said that for at least two of the detainees, no specific allegations exist beyond their presence in the same vehicle. He argued that some of his clients had already submitted applications to the Property Restitution Commission, making the documents they possessed publicly accessible.
The court accepted the defence’s request for three of the detainees to be examined by a doctor.
United Nations peacekeeping force (UNFICYP) officials attended the proceedings alongside the families of the five men.
According to initial reports in Turkish Cypriot and Turkish media, the five citizens were allegedly conducting measurements and land surveys near the Trikomo area.
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