The Plenary of the Cyprus House of Representatives voted in favour of a bill submitted by DISY MP Rita Theodorou Superman to amend the country’s penal code, in order to increase the prison sentence and the fine provided for committing the offense of occupying, cultivating or exploiting in any way land or real estate owned by a third party.
The proposal attempts to put a stop to the illegal buying and selling of Greek Cypriot properties in the Turkish occupied areas.
Specifically, the prison sentence is increased to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years and/or a fine not exceeding ten thousand euros.
DISY MP told the Plenary that the regulations aim to limit the surge in recent years of illegal purchase and sale of Greek Cypriot properties located in areas not controlled by the Cyprus Republic, emphasising that the biggest problem is in Kyrenia, Trikomo, Famagusta and Nicosia.
She said that the Parliament wants to send a message and wants to give visibility to an issue for which complaints must be made to the Police.
She referred to figures from the Turkish Cypriot press about the continuous construction of houses on Greek Cypriot properties sold to foreigners and for developments with real estate agencies and consultants. According to Superman, by the end of 2023, 15,000 houses were sold to foreigners in Trikomo, 9,000 in the Akanthou area, 4,000 in the Lapithos-Vasilia area, 2,400 in the center of Kyrenia, 2,000 in Lefka, 1,200 in Bellapais and 600 in Karpasia.
She explained that regulations are deemed necessary in order to encourage owners of properties located in areas not controlled by the Republic to take legal action and assert their rights against the usurpers and their collaborators, who, taking advantage of the Cyprus problem, often fraudulently approach interested buyers from abroad, with the aim of selling the properties in question.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
Also read: Kassianidou: Obligation to preserve memory of occupied territories
Source: CNA
