German real estate agent challenges politically motivated property case
Lawyer Soteris Argyrou said German real estate agent Ewa K’s prosecution over Greek Cypriot property in the north is politically motivated.
Nicosia, Cyprus. German real estate agent Ewa K, who is on trial over Greek Cypriot property in the north, faces a politically motivated prosecution, her lawyer Soteris Argyrou said on Monday.
Argyrou cited alleged prejudice and executive influence, while saying the defence would appeal the latest decision denying her interim release on bail.
Defence claims
Argyrou said the prosecution was political because authorities were pursuing people more than 50 years after the invasion.
He told the Cyprus Mail that K had been offered a plea bargain under which charges would be reduced in exchange for a guilty plea. K rejected the offer, saying she could not conscientiously admit to an offence she had not committed.
After 26 months in custody, the defence submitted its fifth application for interim release on bail, offering substantial financial guarantees. The court rejected the application, and Argyrou confirmed that an appeal against the remand order was planned.
Prosecution case
Argyrou said the case against K was based on the prosecution’s argument that, given the history of the invasion, she should have known the legal status of land connected to her development projects.
He said similar cases initiated during the past two years, particularly following proceedings against Turkish-Israeli developer Simon Aykut, had been affected by political influence and alleged improper executive involvement.
Argyrou referred to public comments by President Nikos Christodoulides calling for relevant cases to be prosecuted.
Next hearing and reports
Proceedings against K are scheduled to resume on September 7, with further defence submissions expected later this week.
German tabloid Bild reported at the weekend that K had worked as a real estate agent in southern Germany before establishing her business on the island.
According to Bild, she learned online that the area was a potential investment destination and was introduced to it by acquaintances. She was later asked to take over marketing for their properties, which she advertised on her website.
Bild also reported that the German embassy in Nicosia expressed its expectation of her immediate release in March.
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