Alpha News

Man Detained in Northern Cyprus After Collecting Herbs

Published February 12, 2026, 12:40

A Greek Cypriot man has been detained in the occupied territories since Tuesday, accused of illegally entering a military zone while collecting wild herbs near the buffer zone in the Gerolakkos area. He was initially brought before a military court and subsequently to a court in the occupied Nicosia, where he was charged with the illegal transport and possession of explosives due to the discovery of 16 hunting cartridges in his vehicle. The police in the occupied territories requested his temporary detention to ensure his appearance in court. Consequently, the man was remanded in custody at the central prison of the occupied territories for a maximum period of four days, until the investigation is completed. The Republic of Cyprus has initiated efforts for his immediate release, according to information from the Cyprus News Agency. The incident highlights the sensitivity prevailing in the buffer zone area and the consequences of inadvertently violating its boundaries. The fate of the Greek Cypriot depends on the evolution of diplomatic efforts and the goodwill of the occupation authorities.