Occupied Territories: Request for 3-Month Detention of 5 Greek Cypriots

The "prosecutor's office" in the occupied territories has requested the detention of the 5 Greek Cypriots for up to three months, pending the start of their "trial" in the "military court". The charges relate to "violation of a military restricted zone".

One of the five is accused of illegally entering the pseudo-state, as his crossing was not recorded at the Strovilia checkpoint, while the other 4 are accused of assisting or covering up the offense. Records of crossings from that specific checkpoint were submitted as evidence.

The lawyer for the 5 Greek Cypriots countered that his clients have crossed the checkpoints dozens of times, submitting relevant documents to the "court". The question was also raised as to why the identity check officer did not see how many people were in the car, with the "police officer" answering that they usually do not do so to facilitate crossings more quickly.

The "police investigator" stated that the cameras at the Strovilia checkpoint were not working when the 5 Greek Cypriots crossed. According to documents, the person who allegedly did not show his identity card has crossed into the occupied territories dozens of times in the last 3 years.

In response to a question from the lawyer, the "police officer" assumed that the Greek Cypriots intended to identify property owners' details on their properties in the occupied territories and file a complaint on the Greek Cypriot side. The lawyer requested evidence, but the "police officer" replied that it was his own speculation.

During the proceedings, one of the women in custody felt nauseous, and the hearing was temporarily adjourned.

Source: ΚΥΠΕ