Newsroom
Five Greek Cypriots detained in the Turkish-occupied north are expected to appear in a so-called "court" in Trikomo today, as controversy swirls around the charges and conditions of their detention.
The group was arrested on July 17 after entering the occupied territories through the Strovilia crossing point. According to the breakaway regime’s “police,” one of the men failed to pass through “passport control,” and the group was later seen in a residential area in occupied Galatia carrying a blue envelope, something authorities claim sparked “concern.”
Inside the envelope, according to the allegations, were documents containing personal data about 14 Turkish Cypriots, reportedly linked to property records and construction company executives. Four of those individuals are said to have filed complaints.
Critics, however, say the accusations are flimsy and politically charged.
During a hearing on July 23, the Trikomo “court” approved a request to keep the men in custody for an additional eight days, citing the need for further “interrogation.” The proceedings took place under tension, with defense lawyer Salih Can Doratli calling the continued detention “shameful” and a clear violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.
“There’s no evidence my clients bypassed any checks; they presented five forms of ID,” Doratli told the court, adding that authorities had failed to provide any visual proof of wrongdoing. He also questioned the grounds for suspicion, saying, “Since when is it a crime to walk around with a blue envelope?”
The lawyer also demanded clarity on what kind of information the envelope actually contained, whether it was official paperwork or just handwritten notes, but said the “police” refused to answer.
The case has raised alarm among Greek Cypriot officials and rights advocates, who say it highlights the ongoing legal gray zone in the north, which is recognized only by Turkey. The Republic of Cyprus considers the detentions unlawful and politically motivated.
As the men head back to “court” today, their fate, and the state of intercommunal relations, hangs in the balance.
