Israeli media are carrying extensive reports on the case of Israeli national Simon Aykut, indicating that his transfer to Israel to serve the remainder of his sentence may be completed within the current week.
The reports cite statements by Justice Minister Kostas Fitiris, who said that the Republic of Cyprus is obliged to honour the relevant transfer agreement, noting that the request was submitted by Israel. They also point out that no objections were raised at the latest Cabinet meeting, a development seen as paving the way for the immediate implementation of the transfer process.
Aykut, 75, was sentenced in October 2025 to five years in prison after pleading guilty to 40 charges concerning the development and sale of properties belonging to displaced Greek Cypriots in the north. He was arrested in June 2024 while crossing at the Ayios Dhometios checkpoint.
The transfer is expected to take place under the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, to which both countries are signatories. Israeli media report that, once completed, Aykut will serve the remainder of his sentence in Israel, which is obligated under the Convention to ensure the execution of the sentence.
The reports also refer to Aykut’s health condition, with his family claiming he faces serious health problems and has requested his immediate return for medical treatment.
Source: CNA