The trial of two Greek Cypriots held in the north continued on Thursday with a prosecution witness taking the stand to testify before the Trikomo 'district court.'
The two Greek Cypriots are facing charges under the 'law' on the protection of personal data and privacy.
Witness Basfi Sinal told the 'court' that he is a lawyer and holds a 51% share in the company HJK Development Ltd.
Obtaining data unlawfully
Sinal said that 'police' had informed him that certain individuals possessed information about his company and his name as its director. He added that he went to the 'police station', where he was shown an electronic message sent by Andreas Eleftheriadis, who had filed a civil lawsuit (164/2024) against him and 12 others in the courts of the Republic of Cyprus concerning a property (file number 220). The suit seeks €2 million in damages for loss of use.
According to Sinal, Eleftheriadis had mentioned his name and his company’s name in that message and had allegedly asked two suspects to gather further information. He claimed he filed a complaint because he believed the two Greek Cypriots had obtained information about his company and himself unlawfully, alleging that their work involved collecting and selling documents and information.
Retaliatory acts
The defence lawyers countered that companies do not have a private life and that the identities of their directors are not confidential. They argued that Sinal lodged the complaint in retaliation for the civil action brought against him in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus.
In response to another question, Sinal said he operates a real estate business under the name Mackenzie Properties, buying and selling properties. He also noted that the Immovable Property Commission in the north was established to offer compensation so that Greek Cypriots could apply regarding their properties.
When asked whether he owns a company in the United Kingdom, Sinal denied it. However, the defence lawyers stated that he maintains a company under the name buysellauctionnorthcyprus. Sinal replied that he had attempted to set it up but it was not active, while the lawyers claimed the company appeared to be active on a UK business website.
The next hearing is scheduled for November 12.