Simon Aykut's Trial Continues

According to Alithia and other newspapers, Aykut's lawyer, Nikoletta Haralambidou, and Prosecutor Elena Kleopa, representing South Cyprus, presented their arguments on Aykut’s "preliminary hearing objections."

The newspaper, under the headline "Aykut's Lawyer Raises the Court's Jurisdiction," reported that Aykut's lawyer submitted three objections at yesterday's hearing.

According to the report, Haralambidou focused two of her objections on the South Cyprus court’s jurisdiction over the case, while the third objection was related to Aykut's personal freedom, his detention conditions, and the restriction of his rights.

Summarizing her objections, Haralambidou argued that "the charges against her client are related to real estate transactions in areas not controlled by the 'Republic of Cyprus,' and therefore, the court does not have the authority to rule based on international law concerning military occupation and customary law."

Haralambidou also claimed that the charges could be related to a large portion of the population in the TRNC and argued that "according to The Hague rulings, Turkey, as the illegal occupying force in the northern part of the island, is responsible for regulating daily life there."

Furthermore, Haralambidou emphasized that "since the issue of jurisdiction has not been addressed under international law, the Apostolides vs Orams case cannot be referenced."

The newspaper reported that Greek Cypriot prosecutor Elena Kleopa submitted a 40-page document containing her arguments and objections, alongside her oral defense during the hearing.

Kleopa argued that "the case concerns the occupied territories of the 'Republic of Cyprus,' which affects the territorial integrity of the 'Republic of Cyprus.' She also pointed out that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) recognized Turkey's obligation to protect the property rights of Greek Cypriots and that 'Republic of Cyprus' courts have previously handled cases involving crimes committed in the TRNC. Additionally, Kleopa claimed that Aykut was not the permanent user of the properties in question."

Kleopa also accused Aykut of "engaging in illegal activities using the occupation regime despite all warnings from Israeli authorities."

The newspaper provided detailed coverage of Kleopa’s arguments and noted that the court will announce its decision on the preliminary objections on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11:00 am.

Other newspapers covered the issue with the following headlines:

• Haravgi: “Three Objections from Simon Aykut’s Defense – Decision on 8/11”
• Fileleftheros: “Occupation, Property, and the Struggle Against Occupation Due to Aykut – Kleopa Claims the Defense is Entirely Misleading”
• Politis: “The Exploiter’s Defense on a Strange Path – 71-Year-Old Simon Aykut Remains in Detention”