Five Greek Cypriots tried for “breaching a first-degree military prohibited zone” were acquitted of all charges at today’s hearing, according to Yeniduzen.
Prosecutors alleged that a 66-year-old, identified as G.G., crossed at the Strovilia checkpoint, designated by the authorities in the north as a “first-degree military prohibited zone”, without showing identification to a competent official, and that four others aided him.
According to the lengthy judgment, there was no plausible motive for the first defendant to cross covertly at the Strovilia checkpoint: entry had not been prohibited and no “warrant” was pending. Records showed hundreds of lawful crossings by the defendant and co-defendants in the past. The court cited investigative deficiencies, including the failure to take fingerprint checks on an ID card allegedly used to cross and confirmation that cameras at the crossing point were out of order. It also dismissed as unfounded the claim that the defendant entered to gather information. With the main charge dismissed, the four alleged accomplices were also acquitted. The court nevertheless reiterated that Strovilia is designated as a “first-degree military prohibited zone.”
Who can return now
Although all five were acquitted in this case, only three may return to the south. The remaining two must remain in the north due to a separate, ongoing case in Trikomo.
Defence lawyer Oncel Polili said the ruling noted the lack of fingerprint testing as an “investigative shortcoming” and that he would go to the Trikomo 'police' headquarters to request the return of the clients’ ID cards. However, their IDs have not been returned to them pending a possible appeal by the prosecution, which may take up to 14 days.
Source: CNA