The “trial” of five Greek Cypriots detained in the occupied north has been postponed until Thursday following the second hearing at the “military court” in Nicosia, according to Turkish Cypriot media.
The postponement allows the “court” to consider a prosecution request for an on-site inspection of the incident location, which the defence has opposed through formal objection.
The five Greek Cypriots face charges of “illegal entry into a military restricted zone”.
Two “police” witnesses for the prosecution were examined during Tuesday’s hearing, with testimony focusing on technical details including the presence of warning signs in the area and tinted windows on the defendants’ vehicle.
“Military court” considers prosecution request for on-site inspection
Proceedings revealed that the vehicle’s rear windows lacked applied film but were slightly tinted from factory manufacturing specifications.
The prosecution submitted a request for inspection of the checkpoint area, arguing the examination would contribute to “administration of justice.” Defence lawyers opposed the request, characterising it as an attempt to cover gaps and omissions in the investigative process.
Defence argued that an inspection 40 days after the incident under different conditions of lighting and weather would not accurately reflect circumstances on the day of the event and represents an attempt to retroactively supplement deficient investigation.
The “court” is expected to decide Thursday whether to accept or reject the inspection request, according to Turkish Cypriot media.
Defence objects to examination of incident scene after 40 days
Parallel to the proceedings, appeals filed by the defence against detention orders for the five Greek Cypriots were heard yesterday and today.
Yesterday’s appeal challenged the initial decision to detain the five for up to 13 days. Following the completion of arguments, judgment on the appeal was reserved.
Today’s proceedings continued at the “supreme court” in occupied Nicosia, examining the appeal against the provincial court decision in Trikomo to remand two of the five Greek Cypriots for up to three months.
During proceedings, the judge inquired whether documents in the defendants’ possession concerned properties belonging to them before 1974. The prosecutor confirmed this, with the judge noting this represents a “significant aspect of the case.”
Appeals process continues regarding detention orders
The prosecutor countered that documents contained names of all successive owners from 1974 onwards and that defendants intended to cause “disruption.”
Today’s hearing also addressed rejection of five Turkish Cypriots as guarantors, with the “judge” questioning the prosecution’s legal basis for this issue. Judgment on this appeal was also reserved.
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