Turkish Cypriot Groups Demand Release of Developers Arrested by Republic of Cyprus

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A coalition of Turkish Cypriot organizations held a protest on Monday, calling for the immediate release of businesspeople detained by the Republic of Cyprus over charges related to the development of Greek Cypriot properties in the north.

The group, calling itself the ‘Initiative for the Protection of Rights,’ staged the demonstration at the Ayios Dhometios crossing point in Nicosia, on the Turkish Cypriot side. Protesters held signs directed at the south, with slogans like “You will not be able to destroy the Turkish Cypriots.”

The protest, which attracted hundreds of participants, was backed by various Turkish Cypriot associations, including the contractors’ association, the chamber of commerce, the hoteliers’ association, the bar association, and the realtors’ association.

At the center of the protest were demands for the release of Israeli property developer Simon Mistriel Aykut, along with Ewa Kunzel, Ilona Lesko, and Melinda Ladanyi, all of whom were arrested by the Republic of Cyprus for charges related to developing properties in the north that are owned by Greek Cypriots.

Hasan Esendagli, head of the Turkish Cypriot bar association, read out a statement on behalf of the initiative. The statement accused the Greek Cypriot side of “weaponizing” its justice system to tackle the long-standing property issue between the two communities.

Esendagli referred to past efforts by Turkish Cypriots to resolve the Cyprus problem, including participation in the Annan Plan and negotiations at Crans-Montana. He said the failure to reach a comprehensive solution, especially regarding property disputes, is largely due to the Greek Cypriots’ refusal to compromise.

The statement criticized the arrests of developers, describing it as a move that harms economic activity in the north and demonstrates bad faith. Esendagli pointed out that the Immovable Property Commission (IPC), recognized by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) as a fair solution for property claims, offers an efficient remedy. He emphasized that the property issue is tied to the broader Cyprus conflict and must be resolved through negotiations.

He further condemned the arrests and called on the international community to urge the Republic of Cyprus to avoid escalating tensions by arresting Turkish Cypriots, European citizens, and foreign investors. He urged them to stop “using the law as a weapon.”

Among those arrested, in addition to Aykut, Kunzel, Lesko, and Ladanyi, was 25-year-old Israeli national Yazan Sarai Eldin. All face criminal trials in the Republic of Cyprus.

Source: cyprus-mail.com

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