Dialogos

AKEL: Concerns Over Transfer of Simon Aykut to Israel

Published February 13, 2026, 17:03
AKEL: Concerns Over Transfer of Simon Aykut to Israel

AKEL expresses strong concerns regarding the government's decision to transfer Simon Aykut to Israel to serve his sentence for cases of usurpation of occupied Greek Cypriot properties. The party recalls previous statements by the Government Spokesman emphasizing the importance of Aykut's conviction as a deterrent message, but believes that his transfer negates this message. AKEL argues that transferring the sentence abroad creates a dangerous precedent and may be interpreted as tolerance or even a reward for serious cases of usurpation. Furthermore, it raises questions about ensuring the full execution of the sentence in Israel. This development comes in conjunction with the recent rejection by a French court of a request for the execution of a European arrest warrant in a case of usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties, which AKEL describes as a legal and political failure. The party emphasizes that the usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties is a serious manifestation of the Turkish occupation and the unresolved Cyprus problem. AKEL calls for the use of all legal means to halt the sale of properties and stresses that a final resolution of the property issue requires a resumption of negotiations and a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.