The ongoing property dispute between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Greek Cypriot administration has intensified recently due to a series of targeted arrests by Greek Cypriot authorities.

These actions have not only escalated tensions but have also exposed the double standards and misuse of legal mechanisms by the Greek Cypriot side. The comments made by Erhan Arıklı, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Energy of the TRNC, and the response from Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the Greek Cypriot government spokesperson, underscore the root of the current conflict: the unjust and politically motivated arrests related to property disputes.

The Real Root of the Conflict: Arbitrary Arrests and Legal Overreach

The root of the present conflict lies in the recent pattern of arrests orchestrated by the Greek Cypriot authorities, who have targeted individuals involved in development activities on Turkish Cypriot land. These arrests, which include both international investors and Turkish Cypriot citizens, have highlighted the Greek Cypriot administration's hypocritical stance on property rights and its exploitation of international legal frameworks for political gain.

One of the most notable incidents is the arrest of Turkish Cypriot lawyer Akan Kursat in Rome. Kursat, a prominent lawyer in the north, was detained based on a European Arrest Warrant issued by the Republic of Cyprus in connection with alleged illegal sales of Greek Cypriot properties in the TRNC. “We are following this case very closely,” remarked Ersin Tatar, President of the TRNC, emphasizing the political undertones of this arrest. 

Kursat’s case has sparked significant controversy, as it illustrates the extent to which the Greek Cypriot administration is willing to go to assert its claims over properties in the north. Kursat, who is married to the TRNC’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, was targeted despite the complexities surrounding property rights on the island, raising questions about the legitimacy and motivation behind the arrest warrants issued by the Greek Cypriots.

This arrest is part of a broader pattern. In addition to Kursat, the Greek Cypriot authorities have pursued the extradition of several other individuals on similar charges, including a 49-year-old German national and a 25-year-old Israeli national. The German national, arrested for allegedly discussing the sale of properties in the north, highlights the Greek Cypriot strategy of criminalizing activities related to property in the TRNC. Similarly, the Israeli national was released on €92,000 bail after being accused of misusing Greek Cypriot properties in the north, a case that further illustrates the Greek Cypriot administration's aggressive legal posture. 

"The injustice is glaring," noted Arıklı, “These actions are purely politically motivated and serve to undermine the legitimate development of our land.”

Adding to these cases is the arrest of Simon Mistral-Aikot, an Israeli businessman and founder of the Afik Group, who was detained by Greek Cypriot authorities on similar charges. Mistral-Aikot’s arrest is emblematic of the Greek Cypriot administration’s broader strategy to target those involved in property development in the TRNC, leveraging their legal status to intimidate and control property matters beyond their jurisdiction. "We are facing a systematic campaign of legal harassment," stated a spokesperson from Afik Group, reflecting the growing frustration among those affected.

These arrests underscore a broader strategy by the Greek Cypriot administration to weaponize legal systems and international mechanisms against those involved in property matters in the TRNC. This approach is particularly hypocritical when considering the widespread and unchecked use of Turkish Cypriot-owned farmland in the south by Greek Cypriots, without any form of lease agreement or compensation. The Greek Cypriot administration’s refusal to address these longstanding issues, while simultaneously pursuing legal action against those in the north, reveals a glaring double standard.

Legal and Humanitarian Concerns

The legal battles over property rights in Cyprus are complex, but the recent actions by the Greek Cypriot authorities have brought these issues into sharper focus. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has long recognized the property rights of displaced persons, including both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. However, the Greek Cypriot administration’s selective enforcement of these rights, particularly through targeted arrests and international warrants, highlights their unwillingness to engage in a fair and just resolution of these disputes.

Beyond the legal implications, there is a significant humanitarian concern. Turkish Cypriots have been systematically denied access to their properties in the south, which have been in their families for generations. Meanwhile, Greek Cypriots exploit these lands without providing any compensation or recognition of Turkish Cypriot ownership.

 The aggressive legal actions taken against Turkish Cypriots and their international partners are not just about property—they are part of a broader attempt to undermine the rights and dignity of the Turkish Cypriot community.

Moving Forward: A Call for Justice

The path forward must involve a comprehensive and fair approach to resolving property disputes in Cyprus. This includes addressing the misuse of Turkish Cypriot properties in the south and ceasing the politically motivated arrests of individuals involved in legitimate activities in the north. The international community must play a critical role in holding the Greek Cypriot administration accountable for its actions and in supporting a fair and just resolution to these disputes.

As Arıklı rightly pointed out, “The time for empty talk is over. We need action, and we need it now. The rights of Turkish Cypriots cannot continue to be trampled upon with impunity.”

In conclusion, the property issue is a litmus test for the Greek Cypriot administration’s willingness to engage in genuine negotiations and to respect the rights of all Cypriots, not just their own. Until they are willing to address this issue in a fair and just manner, the prospects for peace and reconciliation on the island will remain bleak.

The international community must also play its part by holding the Greek Cypriot administration accountable for its actions and by supporting the legitimate rights of Turkish Cypriots. Anything less would be a betrayal of the principles of justice and human rights that the international community claims to uphold.

References:

1. Cyprus Mail. (2024, August 23). Arıklı suggests Greek Cypriots using Turkish Cypriot property be arrested.
2. Cyprus Mail. (2024, August 24). Letymbiotis fires back over property arrests.
3. Cyprus Mail. (2023, January 3). Police confirm Turkish Cypriot lawyer's arrest connected to property sales.
4. Knews. (2023, January 4). Investigation underway of Turkish Cypriot lawyer arrested in Rome.
5. In-Cyprus. (2024, January 12). Extradition process of Turkish Cypriot lawyer arrested in Italy continues.