An Iranian national wanted by Cyprus for large-scale appropriation of Greek Cypriot land has returned to the occupied areas via Istanbul whilst the Republic attempts to overturn a French court decision rejecting his extradition.
Behdad Jafari, 39, was arrested in France but remained free after a Provence court rejected Cyprus’s extradition request. Cypriot authorities have evidence leading to indications he committed large-scale appropriation of Greek Cypriot properties.
Efforts are being made with the French General Prosecutor’s Office to appeal the decision, according to philenews sources. The French court verdict causes concern as it did not even evaluate positions presented by Jafari’s legal representation.
The court concluded it cannot extradite him because European law does not apply and is not valid in areas where the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control. According to sources, the decision is attributed to disregard of case law, including the Apostolides case, and the fact the French prosecutor’s office did not adequately promote the Republic’s extradition request.
The operation to appeal the verdict at second instance has great political significance for the Republic.
It is now doubtful whether Jafari’s extradition to Cyprus can be achieved. After his release he returned to the occupied areas and it is doubtful whether he will travel again to European territory.
Jafari, who was born in Tehran and permanently resided in Nice, France, is linked to ISATIS Construction Group. Republic authorities have evidence indicating the company constructed six tourist complexes and one apartment building in Famagusta, all on land belonging to Greek Cypriot refugees.
News of Jafari’s return to the occupied areas via Istanbul has been widely featured on pseudo-state websites. Citing Jafari’s claims on social media, media outlets note the Appeals Chamber of the Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal allegedly rejected execution of the European arrest warrant on 10 December.
According to the Cyprus News Agency, the Kibris newspaper reports Jafari published a written statement after arriving in the occupied areas. The European arrest warrant against him was based on claims regarding construction activities in “northern Cyprus” and that some projects were executed illegally on properties belonging to Greek Cypriots, he said.
“French judicial authorities examined my case meticulously, independently and with complete impartiality. This clearly demonstrates the strength of the rule of law in France. Judicial decisions are based on legal principles and evidence, not political motives,” Jafari stated.
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