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A German real estate agent accused of illegally dealing in Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas has challenged the legality of her arrest and search, alleging that a crucial consent document was forged to falsely indicate her understanding of English.
During a trial-within-a-trial in Larnaca, the defendant’s lawyer, Sotiris Argyrou, argued that his client lacked sufficient English proficiency and was not provided an interpreter in a timely manner. He contended that a phrase handwritten on the consent form for a luggage search at Larnaca Airport, "my travel luggages", was not written by the accused, but rather by someone attempting to prove her English comprehension. Argyrou requested forensic handwriting analysis of the document.
A police officer who handled the accused’s arrest and transfer testified that the woman was cooperative, communicated in English, and voluntarily signed the consent form. The officer stated that an interpreter was contacted via phone to translate the document into German, despite the accused’s apparent understanding of English. The defense, however, questioned why an interpreter was not immediately called if the accused required one and argued that she was pressured into signing the document under the false impression that it would lead to her release.
Another officer testified that the accused was informed of her rights in German upon request and never asked to contact a lawyer, interpreter, or her embassy. However, the defense argued that inconsistencies existed in police testimonies regarding whether the accused had explicitly requested an interpreter.
The trial continues as the defense seeks to have the document examined for potential forgery, raising concerns over the validity of the search and seizure of electronic devices that could be used as evidence in the case.
