Court Denies Bail for Woman Accused of Selling Greek Cypriot Property in TRNC

On Friday, the appeals court rejected a bail request for a 49-year-old German national accused of selling Greek Cypriot property in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

The woman sought release until her trial begins on September 17, but the appeals court ruled that the lower court (Nicosia District Court) had "reasonably and correctly exercised its discretionary powers" in ordering her detention until the trial.

At the trial, which will commence in September, the woman will face a total of 56 charges, including fraudulent transactions and illegal possession of land.

According to the case file, the accused, along with others, "utilized, advertised, and facilitated the sale of property belonging to Greek Cypriots in the village of Agios Amvrosios in the Kyrenia district." She is also charged with money laundering related to the aforementioned activities.

In the lower court, the prosecution argued for her detention until the trial, citing the risk of her not appearing in court.

They pointed to evidence suggesting that the woman is the founder and director of a Germany-based company that advertises and promotes homes located in tourist complexes in Agios Amvrosios, which were built on land owned by Greek Cypriots.

The defense countered, claiming that the charges against her are "not particularly serious" and carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

It is worth noting that the German national, Eva Kunzel, was arrested earlier this month while attempting to board a flight from Larnaca Airport.