Nicosia, Cyprus. A French court decision to extradite a Lithuanian woman wanted in Cyprus in connection with the alleged usurpation of Greek Cypriot property in the north was described by the Law Office on Tuesday as exceptionally important. The decision was issued by the Aix-en-Provence court of appeals on July 1 in response to a European arrest warrant issued by Cyprus.
Case details
The suspect was arrested in France on May 16 as part of a criminal case. The Law Office said the latest development followed coordinated efforts by public prosecutors at the legal service in collaboration with the justice ministry and the French prosecution authorities.
Cyprus position before the court
Cyprus participated in the proceedings before the French court of appeals and presented its positions. According to the Law Office, the court found that the offences under investigation had taken place in the north, which did not preclude the implementation of the acquis communautaire or the execution of European arrest warrants issued by the courts of Cyprus.
Court findings
The court also said the regime in the north was the result of a serious violation of international law and that it was therefore obliged not to recognise the illegality and to refrain from any action that would contribute to prolonging it.
Comparison with earlier ruling
The Law Office noted that on December 10, 2025, the same court had rejected a European arrest warrant in a usurpation case involving an Iranian national.
Law Office response
The Law Office said the ruling confirmed the correct interpretation and implementation of EU legislation in conjunction with the jurisdiction of Cyprus regarding offences in the north. It added that the ruling affirmed the court’s dedication to the fundamental principles of international law, with full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognised jurisdiction of Cyprus over its territory, and that it also rectified the previous erroneous approach of the French court of appeals.
