Nicosia, Cyprus. A German real estate agent charged in Cyprus over alleged usurpation of Greek Cypriot property is expected on Monday to submit written testimony on the conditions of her pre-trial detention, after the court declined to consider her release.
Case and allegations
Eva Isabella Kunzel, in custody since her arrest in July 2024, is accused of illegally advertising and promoting Greek Cypriot-owned properties in the north.
Release request and court decision
Her lawyer, Sotiris Argyrou, filed a request for conditional release, citing what he described as degrading detention conditions, prolonged incarceration, and delays in the prosecution’s case.
The Nicosia criminal court ordered that Kunzel remain in detention while written submissions are exchanged. Presiding judge Nicholas Georgiades said the release request would not be forwarded at this point, allowing time for the defence to submit a sworn written statement from Kunzel on her detention conditions.
Next steps in written submissions
The prosecution is to file a written response, including testimony from prison officials addressing the allegations raised.
Defence arguments on length and pace of trial
Argyrou told the court his client has been in pre-trial detention for 18 months, which he said in practice amounts to “two years in prison,” while the trial has progressed slowly.
He said only three witnesses have testified so far out of 64 listed in the indictment. He added that the evidence exceeds five million digital files and that the prosecution has acknowledged investigations are still ongoing, with the possibility of additional witnesses.
Proposed conditions for release
Argyrou proposed that Kunzel could stay at a hotel near the courthouse, post bail of up to €600,000, report daily to a police station, surrender her travel documents, or comply with any other measures deemed appropriate by the court.
What conditions, if any, do you think should apply to a defendant seeking conditional release while awaiting trial?