Anger and debate in Israel over return of Shimon Aykut after Cyprus conviction

Reactions in Israel have been sharply critical following the return of Shimon (Simon) Aykut from Cyprus after he was convicted of unlawfully exploiting Greek Cypriot property in the Turkish-occupied north of the island.

Aykut, who was convicted by Cypriot authorities over the illegal use and development of Greek Cypriot-owned land in the occupied territories, was transferred back to Israel to serve the remainder of his sentence there, a move that has sparked widespread public debate.

Across Israeli media comment sections, the tone has been largely unsympathetic, with many readers stressing that he was properly convicted under Cypriot law and should face the consequences.

“Just don’t get me wrong: he broke Cypriot law,” one commenter wrote. “He wasn’t just sitting there in prison; he’s guilty. They did him a favor by allowing him to serve his sentence in the country,” the user added.

Others echoed similar views, insisting that legal responsibility should not be questioned based on nationality or identity.

“The law is the law,” another comment read, while also pushing back against claims circulating online that Cyprus had acted out of bias. The user criticized those who, in their words, were quick to accuse Cypriot authorities of antisemitism.

“As always, the same tape… When a Jew steals, it is allowed; when a Jew is arrested and tried, then it is antisemitism,” the comment said.

Some users framed the case in political terms, pointing to the sensitive issue of property development in the occupied north of Cyprus.

“Turkish-Israeli,” one comment said, describing Aykut as someone who allegedly traded Greek Cypriot land “under the cover of the Turkish flag.” The user urged readers to look at the positions of both governments and added that, while they wished him well personally, “this is not a story of heroism or a touching rescue.”

Others were even more blunt in their reactions.

“He committed a crime in Cyprus; he should sit in prison there for five years. We don’t need him here,” one user wrote.

“So we missed the criminals here? Why are they bringing this crook back?” another commented.

The case has drawn attention not only because of the conviction itself but also due to the broader sensitivities surrounding property rights in Cyprus’ divided north, where long-standing disputes remain one of the most politically charged issues on the island.