Eva Kounzel's Appeal to Be Reviewed on October 8

The German woman, Ewa Isabella Künzel, was arrested in Southern Cyprus in July for her involvement in selling properties in Esentepe to German buyers. Her trial began yesterday at the Nicosia High Criminal Court, with her defense challenging the fairness of the trial and raising concerns about bias.

Künzel's lawyer, Sotiris Argiru, argued that the case is politically charged, not legal, and referred to the long-standing issue of property disputes in Cyprus, criticizing the lack of resolution over the past 50 years. He questioned the court's jurisdiction, pointing out that the alleged offenses took place in areas not controlled by the "Republic of Cyprus."

Argiru also cited previous European Court of Human Rights rulings, such as the Demopoulos and Loizidou cases, to emphasize the political nature of the case. Meanwhile, the prosecution, led by Hristia Kithreotu, rejected these claims, stating that the court's role is to examine the charges based on criminal law and that the defense must prove claims of unfair trial and bias.

The court will issue its decision on October 8. Until then, Künzel remains in custody at the Central Prison in southern Nicosia.

Two Hungarian Women Also in Court

In related news, two Hungarian women arrested for involvement in the sale of Greek Cypriot properties in the north will also appear in court today, either for formal charges or to extend their detention. Further details were not provided in the report.