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Simon Aykut, an Israeli property developer and founder of the controversial Afik Group, is awaiting trial in Cyprus, facing serious accusations that he threatened the country’s president, Nicos Christodoulides. Currently being held in the Central Prison of Cyprus, Aykut’s case has ignited a storm of legal and political intrigue, adding to his already contentious history of business dealings in the island’s Turkish-occupied areas.
Aykut, who has been at the center of numerous real estate projects in the northern part of Cyprus, has long been accused of carrying out developments on land believed to belong to Greek Cypriots. His company, Afik Group, has faced backlash over its construction projects in Trikomo, an area in the north of the island. These allegations have fueled criticism not just about the legality of his business practices but about the broader implications for the island's political and territorial situation.
The Arrest and Suspicion
Aykut, who was arrested in late January while attempting to cross from the Turkish-occupied north to the Republic of Cyprus, is currently facing a string of allegations. While the specific charges related to the threats against President Christodoulides are under investigation, his arrest has sparked public outcry and speculation. The threats, which reportedly came through social media, have shaken Cyprus’s political landscape, as the President has been the subject of fierce public debate in recent months.
His detention has stirred concern, especially as it follows a year of growing controversy surrounding Aykut’s business empire. The Afik Group itself has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that the firm’s CEO, Afik Yaacov, had connections to a law firm co-founded by Christos Clerides, the former chairman of the Cyprus Bar Association. Although the law firm denied any wrongdoing, the controversy surrounding the connection raised suspicions of possible illicit activities, including money laundering.
Aykut’s Health Issues and Legal Challenges
Aykut's legal troubles are compounded by his deteriorating health. His family has gone public with concerns about his condition, which they claim is being ignored by the authorities. Diagnosed with cancer, Aykut’s family has argued that his health requires urgent attention, yet his continued detention has become a point of contention. They believe his case is not just a legal matter but also a political one, designed to distract from the real issue of his medical needs.
In a written statement, Aykut’s family accused the government of using his health problems as a cover-up. They contend that the Cypriot authorities are preventing him from receiving necessary treatment and are manipulating the situation to divert attention away from his deteriorating condition. This claim is supported by Aykut’s lawyer, Maria Neophytou, who has asserted that the accusations of threatening the President are unfounded.
The Allegations of Threats
The accusations that Aykut sent threats to President Christodoulides are central to his current legal situation. Although details of the threats have not been fully revealed, the alleged actions are serious enough to warrant the ongoing investigation. Aykut’s defense team has vehemently denied the allegations, with Neophytou stating that her client never made any threats. Instead, the lawyer suggests that the charges are part of a broader political game to silence Aykut and distract from his health crisis.
For now, Aykut remains in jail, waiting for his trial to begin. As the investigation continues, his supporters and critics are closely watching the case, as it could have significant implications for the business community and the political climate in Cyprus.
