My Arrest Was Political Aykut Says
Source: North Cyprus News | Online News for North Cyprus
Simon Aykut, who has been jailed in South Cyprus for selling former Greek Cypriot properties in North Cyprus, is raising concerns about his health and safety while in custody, claiming that the South’s charges against him are not legal, Kibris Postasi reported.
Born in Izmir and holding both Turkish and TRNC citizenship, Aykut, who was arrested by the South Cyprus authorities on June 7, has been appealing to Turkish and North Cyprus authorities from his prison cell. Through his lawyer, Aykut has called for help from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, members of Turkey’s parliament, the Turkish Ambassador to Cyprus Yasin Ekrem Serim, as well as President Ersin Tatar, Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, and Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu.
Aykut said, “I’ve been forgotten on the Greek side and left to die“.
Before being imprisoned, Aykut had health issues and was under medical supervision, receiving regular treatment and medication. He says these health problems have worsened in South Cyprus, and that the court has ignored his medical condition and political motives are behind his punishment.
He also claims the authorities in South Cyprus are fully aware that he has assets there and are applying a double standard. Aykut argues that his case is not a real legal matter, but a political move to punish him, disregarding his human and legal rights.
He believes he was kidnapped and used as a bargaining chip to improve South Cyprus’ position in negotiations and questions whether the Greek Cypriot side truly wants to live peacefully, given how they have treated him.
“If you want peace with a country, you don’t arrest and punish its citizens illegally”, Aykut said.
Property developer Simon Aykout, Director of Afik Group, who was arrested when crossing from north to south Cyprus, will remain in custody for a further six days, a Greek Cypriot court ruled in June.
Aykut, who is 73, is known for the Caesar Resort investment in Iskele, faces charges related to a 1 billion Euro development project in Iskele and was arrested on 7 June.
He is charged with constructing buildings on Greek Cypriot-owned properties in North Cyprus and selling them without the owners’ knowledge. His detention period was extended by the court. The court also ordered the arrest of the company’s board members.
The court decided to extend Aykout’s detention for six more days and issued orders for the arrest of the company’s board members, who will be detained if they attempt to cross into South Cyprus.
On Tuesday, 10 September, it was reported that Vasilis Bissas, a lawyer representing the South Cyprus government, brought 242 charges against Aykut during the hearing and argued that Aykut should remain in custody until the trial is over. Some previously unknown details about the case were also revealed during the hearing.
Kibris Postasi
The original article: belongs to North Cyprus News | Online News for North Cyprus .
