MEPs demand release of Greek Cypriots held in north

MEPs from Cyprus and Greece called for the release of five Greek Cypriots arrested in the north in July and demanded measures be taken against Turkey, during a debate at the European Parliament plenum on Wednesday, in Strasbourg, that discussed breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law and a resolution on the detention of EU citizens in the north.

Three of the five Greek Cypriots who were arrested in the north in July were released on bail on Wednesday.

All five appeared at a military court in Nicosia. The police and the prosecution allege that when the five crossed in one car from the British Dhekelia base through the Strovilia crossing point, near Famagusta, only four identity cards were handed over for inspection on the Turkish Cypriot side of the crossing point.

As such, one of the five Greek Cypriots has been charged with illegally entering the north, while the other four are accused of aiding and abetting the illegal entry.

EPP and Disy MEP Loukas Fourlas said “this is an act of piracy, a kidnapping, as retaliation against the legitimate Republic of Cyprus that arrested usurpers, those who sell our own properties in the occupied territories, our homes, where we were born and raised.”

“Every illegal arrest is a blow to democracy. Every act of retaliation is an insult to the EU. Every tolerance towards Turkey is complicity,” he pointed out.

“Enough is enough. We cannot remain silent, we cannot turn a blind eye. Solidarity cannot be selective,” he said, adding that “when citizens of a member state are dragged before the illegal courts of an occupation regime, Europe must react.”

He added that a strong message needed to be sent to Turkey that “we will not tolerate any more blackmailing.”

Fourlas also critisised European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for not mentioning the situation in Cyprus in her State of the Union speech earlier on Wednesday.

“We want Europe to stand by us, like a family stands by its child,” he Fourlas said.

EPP and Disy MEP Michalis Hadjipantela said the five Greek Cypriots were arrested because “they dared to visit their own property” in the north.

“These arrests are not accidental. They constitute targeted intimidation to obstruct legal procedures against the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties and to discourage any claim to rights,” he said, adding that this “cannot pass”.

Hadjipantela called for immediate release of the Greek Cypriots and targeted measures against Turkey at a European and international level.

Socialist-Democrat and Diko MEP Costas Mavrides referred to a resolution drafted by colleagues, condemning the “deliberate intimidation tactics” employed in the north.

He said that MEPs express their full support to the Republic of Cyprus in implementing the EU rule of law and call on the European Commission and the European External Action Service to take all necessary measures, including punitive measures against Turkey, in order to secure the release of the detainees.

Following the MEPs’ interventions, commissioner for democracy and the rule of law Michael McGrath spoke on behalf of the European Commission.

He said “the European Union cannot tolerate the violation of its citizens’ rights. The detention of these individuals is unacceptable and must end immediately.”

McGrath added that “the freedom of movement and safety of EU citizens are non-negotiable. The release of three individuals on bail today (Wednesday) is a positive step, but it is not enough. We must allow all of them to return to their homes without restrictions.”

He also said the EU was closely monitoring developments, adding that “Cyprus cannot remain divided. Reunification is not just a political choice – it is a necessity.”

Mavrides pointed out that high representative for foreign affairs and vice-president of the European Commission Kaja Kallas had been absent from the discussions and resolutions concerning Cyprus and Turkey’s illegalities since taking office. “I leave the reason for her absence up to every European citizen,” he said.

Left Group and Akel MEP Giorgos Georgiou demanded the full release of all five Greek Cypriots, who “are being tried on false charges as retaliation for the arrest by the Republic of Cyprus of usurpers of our occupied properties”.

The goal is “to serve Tatar’s pre-election purposes, to incite nationalism, to undermine the efforts of the UN secretary-general to resolve the Cyprus problem”, he said.

Georgiou said he had sent two letters to the European institutions asking for pressure to be exerted on Turkey for the immediate release of the five Greek Cypriots and there had been “no reaction”.

“Turkey is useful to you. We know how you work. Between law and interests, you coldly choose the latter. Simply admit it,” he said.

The European Conservatives and Reformists and Elam MEP Geadis Geadi condemned “in the strongest and most categorical way the abductions of Greek Cypriots by the occupying authorities”.

Pointing out that the President of the European Commission has never spoken about the Cyprus issue in the past year, Geadi said that “indifference is what feeds the voracious monster Turkey and its puppet in our occupied territories”.

He called for a reassessment of the Green Line Regulation, the closing of crossing points and punitive measures, such as the suspension of all funds, until those arrested are released.

Independent MEP Fidias Panayiotou described the detention of the five Greek Cypriots as a “shameful injustice”.

“Without credible evidence, an unrecognised military ‘court’ is accusing them of illegal entry and espionage. This is not only a violation of their fundamental rights. It is also a direct attack on efforts for reunification. How can we have peace when people are treated like criminals for visiting what rightfully belongs to them?” Panayiotou added.

He said that “as Europe, we must act, we must demand the immediate and unconditional release of all five and make it clear that human rights are non-negotiable.”

During the debate, three Greek MEPs took the floor, demanding the immediate release of the Greek Cypriots and condemning Turkey’s actions, urging the European Union to take a firm and decisive stance.

Nikos Papandreou of Pasok said that “with our vote tomorrow (Thursday), which at least the European Union supports, we will condemn this action and demand their release.”

“As Greeks, we also urge extreme caution regarding the SAFE architecture. Turkey should not be part of Europe’s new defence framework until democratisation takes place,” he said.

Nikos Pappas of Syriza said “these people are not criminals, they are victims, hostages of a game that violates every principle of international law and human dignity. Their arbitrary detention is not just a concern for Cyprus but for the entire Union.”

Aphrodite Latinopoulou of Patriots for Europe condemned the arrest of the five Greek Cypriots and wondered “is this the Turkey you want in the European Union?”