Reaction to the transfer of businessman Simon Aykut to Israeli authorities

The Municipality of Kyrenia and Trikomo community leader Iakovos Chatzivarnavas have expressed strong disapproval following the decision to transfer businessman Simon Aykut to Israeli authorities. Aykut, a Turkish-Jewish developer, was facing legal proceedings in Cyprus related to the exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in the northern part of the island. The Minister of Justice recently stated that the government must respond to Israel's request for Aykut to serve his sentence there. Chatzivarnavas criticized the move in a letter to President Christodoulides, arguing it leaves refugees unprotected and undermines previous government efforts to prosecute property usurpers. He expressed concern that this decision signals a lack of protection for property owners, potentially encouraging the further sale of displaced persons' assets. The community leader also emphasized that the move complicates ongoing civil lawsuits against those exploiting Greek Cypriot land. To date, the affected parties claim they have received no explanation from the presidency regarding the rationale behind this decision.