Nicosia: Two Hungarian nationals have admitted guilt to several charges concerning the promotion and advertising of properties constructed on Greek Cypriot land in the Turkish-occupied region of Cyprus. The Nicosia Assize Court is set to deliver their sentence on May 9.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the first defendant confessed to 21 out of 63 charges related to the promotion and advertisement of houses in the Kyrenia area. The second defendant admitted to 6 charges pertaining to similar offenses. The remaining charges have been suspended. These admissions mark a significant development, as they are the first in cases involving the illegal appropriation of Greek Cypriot property in the occupied territories.
The defendants were accused of advertising and promoting the sale of homes in complexes illegally constructed in the Kalogrea and Trachonas – Agios Amvrosios, Kyrenia areas, by a company named Cyprus Constructions, through their personal Facebook profiles. Evidence suggests there was a collaboration between the two individuals.
Defense attorneys presented written pleas for leniency in sentencing. Rikkos Mappourides, representing the first defendant, highlighted her long-term residence in the Republic of Cyprus-controlled areas and her limited involvement in the real estate activities. He argued that she was not a professional real estate agent and merely referred potential buyers to Cyprus Constructions, and that her admission to the charges was her initial intention.
Alexandros Clerides, representing the second defendant, urged the court to consider his client’s previously clean criminal record and the personal hardships she has faced, including her detention for seven months and the recent death of her father. He also mentioned her impending status as a grandmother, which could be affected by the court’s decision, as well as potential impacts on her work permit in Cyprus.
The prosecution noted that upon her arrest at Larnaca airport last September, the second defendant claimed ignorance of the illegal nature of the properties. Consequently, at the request of the Prosecuting Authority, both defendants will remain in custody until the court session on May 9.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third.