The “trial” of five Greek Cypriots detained since 19 July on charges of violating a “military zone” continued Friday before a so-called “military court” in the occupied north, focusing on “prosecution” witness testimony that revealed contradictions.
Friday’s proceedings, which began in the morning and continued until afternoon, centred on examining “prosecution witnesses,” with testimony from a “civil service employee” on duty at the Strovilia checkpoint on the day of the incident.
The key “prosecution witness,” a checkpoint “official,” claimed during lengthy cross-examination that the five Greek Cypriots handed him only four identity documents, according to Turkish Cypriot reports.
Checkpoint officer testimony reveals contradictions under cross-examination
As justification for not conducting a vehicle inspection, the witness cited increased traffic at the checkpoint, stating characteristically that there was no “luxury” to ask passengers to lower the car’s tinted windows. He also maintained he remembered the specific vehicle among thousands that pass daily because it was the same model he intended to purchase.
The defence countered his claims, accusing the “witness” of neglect of duty. Defence lawyers emphasised that the “official” was lying out of fear of facing disciplinary sanctions or dismissal, as happened previously with four other colleagues for similar infractions. Additionally, he initially spoke of “one person” and later of “a silhouette.”
The defence pointed out that his negligence could have allowed passage of a wanted person or even an abducted child.
Defence challenges witness credibility
Other “witnesses” also testified, including the checkpoint’s “security supervisor,” who stated there is no obligation to inspect every vehicle with tinted windows, whilst acknowledging this constitutes a security gap.
The supervisor of all employees at checkpoints in the Famagusta area and the ninth “prosecution witness” defended his staff, stating they “never, ever engage in illegal actions,” but acknowledged the possibility of “human error.” He cited examples such as recording incorrect dates or visa durations, errors which he said are corrected, whilst insisting staff would not commit illegal acts.
The “trial” was temporarily suspended and then continued behind closed doors when a Turkish colonel was called to testify, presenting a “military map” of the area.
The “prosecuting authority” has declared its intention to call 20 “witnesses” in total.
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