Nicosia, Cyprus. Reports on Thursday said the government is taking action to secure the release of a Greek Cypriot man arrested after driving into the north while collecting wild asparagus.
Government response
The Cyprus News Agency reported that the government is aiming to secure the man’s release “as soon as possible”.
Court hearing and police account
The man appeared in court in northern Nicosia on Wednesday morning. Police representative Emre Koyun told the court that officers intercepted the man near the village of Yerolakkos, west of Nicosia, at around 4pm on Tuesday.
Koyun said police searched the man’s vehicle and found 16 shotgun cartridges inside, after which he was arrested.
Charges and remand
Prosecution lawyer Ali Yegen told the court he will bring charges of entering a restricted area and illegal possession and transport of explosives.
Yegen requested that the man be remanded in custody, and judge Sevket Gazi approved the request, ordering a four-day remand.
What should happen next in the case as the government seeks the man’s release?