Murat Metin Hakki, the lawyer of the five Greek Cypriots who were arrested in the north in July, was himself arrested on Wednesday, according to reports.

Sources confirmed to the Cyprus Mail that Hakki, who had been representing the Greek Cypriots in the case regarding charges of privacy violations, trespassing, and breaching the peace, which is being heard at a civilian court, has now also been, though it is not yet clear the reason for the arrest.

That trial is set to continue on Friday.

It was later revealed that Hakki had been abroad in recent days, and was arrested by the Turkish Cypriot police upon his return to the island at the north’s Ercan (Tymbou) airport.

Later on Wednesday, Cyprus Turkish bar association chairman Hasan Esendagli said Hakki’s arrest and the surrounding circumstances “require explanation”.

“With what facts and evidence has a court been convinced to have a lawyer detained upon entry to the country and to issue a search warrant for his office? Finding the answer to this question is important in determining whether there has been a violation of personal rights and freedoms,” he said.

He added that the bar association “will follow up on the matter with the police” and in court, where Hakki is expected to appear on Thursday either to be released on bail or to be issued a remand.

Meanwhile, former judge Tacan Reynar condemned the arrest, saying Hakki has been “representing the defendants in a case which has been politicised with the contribution of the judiciary”.

“I absolutely reject this attack on our profession,” he said.