Newsroom
The “high court” in the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus has annulled a military court’s decision to keep five Greek Cypriots in detention for 13 days, according to reports by Turkish-Cypriot outlet Kibris Postasi.
The latest development barely registered in the headlines of the government-controlled south, despite the sensitivity of the issue.
The five were arrested after one man allegedly crossed through the Akyar checkpoint without showing identification, with the others accused of helping him. The military court had ordered them held for nearly two weeks, but the higher court ruled there wasn’t enough evidence to support claims of a “secret” crossing.
In its majority decision, the court also stressed that the lower court had failed to uphold basic fair trial principles. Instead of detention, the suspects were ordered released on strict conditions: 200,000 TL in cash bail, a ban on travel, and weekly check-ins with police.
It’s still unclear whether they will walk free, as the trial continues with another hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
- Trial of 5 Greek Cypriots delayed again as lawyer linked to case arrested at Ercan
- Greek Cypriots’ military zone trial exposes checkpoint chaos in occupied North
- Checkpoint cameras out for months as 5 Greek Cypriots cross into occupied areas
- Greek Cypriot crossings to the occupied north drop after arrests
- Frustration mounts at crossing points
