Turkish Cypriot lawyer Murat Metin Hakki was released on bail Thursday afternoon by a “court” in occupied Famagusta, where he faces charges related to his representation of five Greek Cypriots held in the north.
The “court” set bail at 200,000 Turkish lira with additional guarantor bonds of 500,000 lira each from two individuals. Hakki surrendered all travel documents and faces a travel ban preventing departure from the occupied areas.
“Authorities” allege Hakki violated data protection laws through documents allegedly obtained from the “land registry” offices and transmitted via intermediaries to his email account.
Court imposes 200,000 lira bail and travel restrictions
The “judge” connected Hakki’s arrest to the case of five Greek Cypriots. Prosecutors claim a “land registry” employee photographed documents and transmitted them to Hakki through an intermediary via electronic mail.
Witnesses reported finding relevant documents and translations at Hakki’s office that allegedly implicate him in the data protection violations.
The “judge” stated that while investigations continue, the stage where the lawyer could potentially interfere has concluded, enabling his release.
Case linked to five detained Greek Cypriots
Hakki serves as legal counsel for five Greek Cypriots detained in the occupied north.
The Republic of Cyprus considers these detentions illegal under international law, as the territory remains unrecognised by the international community except Turkey.
Defence dismisses charges as “product of imagination”
Hakki’s defence team characterised the charges as fabricated, maintaining their client’s innocence throughout proceedings. Defence lawyers stated their acceptance of restrictive conditions aimed to facilitate the investigation while expressing confidence the process would demonstrate Hakki’s innocence.
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