Two Hungarian Women Remain in Custody in Cyprus, Accused of Selling Property in Northern Cyprus

A court in the Republic of Cyprus has ordered the continued detention of two Hungarian nationals suspected of acting as intermediaries in the sale of Greek-owned properties in the north of the island, specifically in Esentepe, Bahçeli, and Tatlısu.

According to Turkish and Greek media reports, the Hungarian nationals, Ilona Lesko and Melinda Ladani, were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the sale of property belonging to Greek Cypriots in Northern Cyprus.

The Nicosia District Court has decided that the women will remain in custody at the Central Prison until their next hearing. The case will continue in the Supreme Criminal Court on December 12, according to the newspaper Politis.

Meanwhile, a protest took place in Northern Cyprus against the detention of property owners from the north in the southern part of the island. Protesters carried banners in Turkish, Greek, and English, demanding the release of those detained.

The demonstration at the Metehan border crossing was organized by the Turkish Cypriot Property Owners Association.

The protest was sparked by repeated arrests by the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus of individuals who own property in Northern Cyprus, as well as real estate agents involved in the sale of property in the north.

One such incident occurred in early July when a real estate agent from Northern Cyprus was arrested at Larnaca Airport. The 49-year-old woman is accused of advertising and facilitating the sale of property in the north, which is located on land owned by Greek Cypriots. Her trial is ongoing, and she remains in custody.

An arrest warrant was previously issued for a German national residing in Northern Cyprus. Additionally, in mid-August, another property owner from the north was detained at Paphos Airport. He also remains in custody.

The TRNC authorities have raised concerns multiple times about these arrests. The issue has been brought up in discussions with UN officials, and President Ersin Tatar has condemned these detentions, calling them "unacceptable."