Cypriot woman released after fine over Agios Dometios crossing procedure

Nicosia, Cyprus. A 45-year-old citizen of the Republic of Cyprus was released on Thursday afternoon after being fined by an occupied Nicosia “military court” over an incomplete crossing procedure at the Agios Dometios crossing.

She was fined 15,000 Turkish lira, approximately €273, after being arrested on Saturday in connection with a crossing into the occupied north the previous day.

Crossing allegations

According to statements made before the “court”, the woman crossed by car from the Agios Dometios crossing into the occupied north at 6pm on Friday, August 21.

The “prosecutor” said she had entered a “restricted military zone” and had not completed the required “immigration procedures”.

The following day, at about 1pm, she attempted to cross with the same vehicle from the government-controlled areas into the occupied north. She was informed of the earlier alleged offence, arrested and had her vehicle seized as evidence.

Court decision

The “prosecutor” said the woman had no prior “criminal record” and had accepted the charges.

Her lawyer said she also holds UK citizenship, had expressed remorse and described the incident as a first-time occurrence resulting from negligence.

The “military court” said it considered the circumstances of the case, the woman’s personal details and her “clean criminal record” before imposing the fine and ordering her release.