On the detention of EU citizens in occupied areas of Cyprus

B100388/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the detention of EU citizens in occupied areas of Cyprus

(2025/2860(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its resolution of 7 May 2025 on Türkiye, and of 26 November 2020 on Varosha,

- having regard to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Loizidou v. Turkey (1996), which affirms that the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" is not a sovereign state but a subordinate administration under Turkey's control;

- having regard to European Council conclusions from 17 and18 April 2024,

- having regard to the UNSC 541 (1983),

- having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights and to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU,

- having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure;

whereas on 19 July 2025, five elderly Greek Cypriot EU citizens were arbitrarily arrested while visiting a property they own near Trikomo in an area under Turkish occupation;

whereas the detentions occurred shortly before the 51st anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion and are seen as retaliation amid legal action against illegal property developments in the northern part of Cyprus;

whereas the detention of the five individuals is ongoing, while being subjected to a trial by an unrecognised military “court”;

whereas the individuals were charged with illegal entry, violating a military zone, and disturbing the peace under questionable legal procedures; whereas they refuse the charges and are held in harsh prison conditions;

whereas one of the detainees has reportedly been denied access to a medical professional despite a judicial order, raising concerns about treatment and detention conditions;

whereas the detainees’ defence lawyer, Murat Metin Hakki, was arrested by the so-called “police” in Trikomo while performing his duties, a move condemned as intimidation of legal counsel;

whereas the Government of the Republic of Cyprus has strongly condemned the detentions as deliberate intimidation tactics and submitted complaints to the UN and the EU, and it is examining proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights;

Calls for the immediate release of the detained EU citizens.

Urges the Turkish authorities to provide the detainees with access to medical care, to ensure an independent investigation of these detentions and to hold those responsible accountable.

Calls on the Council, the Commission, the EEAS and all EU Member States to request immediate release of the detainees.

Calls on the Turkish authorities to fully respect human rights enshrined in international law.

Recalls the Loizidou v. Turkey judgment and its implications regarding Turkey’s responsibility in the occupied areas of Cyprus; urges the Commission and the Council to factor this jurisprudence into their evaluation of EU-Turkey relations;

Condemns the pattern of property rights’ violations, arbitrary detentions, and retaliation against legal action pursued by displaced Greek Cypriots;

Emphasises that all effort must be made to overcome the division of Cyprus and reach a negotiated settlement according to established UN parameters and EU values.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, and the Turkish and Cypriot authorities.