Occupied Nicosia: Trial of 5 Greek Cypriots Continues

The trial at the “military court” in occupied Nicosia for the 5 Greek Cypriots, who have been detained since July 19, will continue on September 24. The five face the charge of “violating a military zone”. One of them also faces the charge of “illegal entry” into the pseudo-state, while the other four are accused of “concealment”.

In today's proceedings, the 5 Greek Cypriots testified in “court”. Defense lawyer Oncel Polili stated that he will present two defense witnesses at the next hearing. Four of the five testified without being sworn in, while the fifth, who allegedly drove the car, testified after being sworn in and answered questions.

All five Greek Cypriots stated that they gave their IDs at the Turkish Cypriot checkpoint and received them back. The Greek Cypriot accused of not providing his ID denied the charge. They also stated that they did not enter a military zone.

The “prosecutor” claimed that the Greek Cypriots went to the occupied territories to collect evidence for a lawsuit, a claim denied by the Greek Cypriot. Lawyer Polili stated that the “defendants” faced problems with the forms for submitting proof of stay.

Tomorrow, the five Greek Cypriots will be taken to the “district court” of Trikomo on charges of trespassing and disturbing the peace, while two of them additionally face the charge of violating personal data.