On the detention of EU citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus the detention of EU citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus

B100389/2025

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

(2025/2860(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas on 19 July 2025, five Greek Cypriot EU citizens - Antonis Louka, Andreas Kyprianou, Annie Kyprianou, Niki Gregoriou and Gregoris Gregoriou - were unlawfully detained by the Turkish military occupying regime while visiting their legally owned property in the northern village of Galatia, near Trikomo, carrying cadastral maps and title deeds proving ownership;

whereas despite the absence of credible evidence, their detention has been repeatedly extended by an unrecognised so-called “court” in the occupied areas, with two detainees ordered to remain imprisoned for an additional three months;

whereas reports indicate that the detainees have suffered weight loss, severe health issues, and lack of adequate medical treatment during custody, raising grave concerns over inhumane and degrading treatment;

whereas this politically motivated act constitutes a grave violation of their fundamental rights, undermines the rule of law within the European Union’s own territory, and sets a dangerous precedent;

whereas the detentions have been condemned across the political spectrum, including by former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, who stressed that such actions constitute political retaliation and undermine trust and the prospects for reunification;

Strongly condemns the unlawful and politically motivated detention of five Greek Cypriot, by the Turkish military occupying regime;

Stresses that the occupying regime disregards every notion of justice and aims, through abduction and hostage-taking, to escalate intimidation, as well as to target and influence those who attempt to visit their ancestral properties or appeal to the Immovable Property Commission in the occupied areas;

Expresses deep concern at the health condition and reported inhumane treatment of the detainees, including denial of adequate medical care, which further violates international human rights standards;

Demands the immediate and unconditional release of the five EU citizens and the cessation of all arbitrary prosecutions against them;

Urges the European Commission and the EEAS to take all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures, in close coordination with the United Nations and relevant stakeholders to secure their release;

Supports the Republic of Cyprus in pursuing legal remedies, including before the European Court of Human Rights, against Türkiye for these violations;

Calls on the Government of Türkiye to respect international law and reminds that Türkiye bears full responsibility for the actions of the occupation regime it controls;

Reiterates that Türkiye’s continued illegal occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, now in its 51st year, remains a serious breach of international law and an obstacle to peace, stability, and EU-Türkiye relations;

Reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus and its citizens;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the Government of Türkiye.