An acquittal was handed down by the “military court” in occupied Nicosia for one Greek Cypriot accused of violating a “military zone” on July 19, as well as for the four others who were “charged” with assisting him.

According to reports from the occupied areas, the “court” ruled that the allegations against the five Greek Cypriots had not been proven “beyond reasonable doubt.”

Following the decision, three of the five are expected to return to the government-controlled areas, while the remaining two face separate “charges” currently under review by the “district court” in occupied Trikomo.

The five Greek Cypriots had been “arrested” on July 19, 2025.

Their lawyer, Oncel Polili, stated that he would visit the “police” in Trikomo to retrieve their identity cards. It remains unclear whether the “prosecution” will appeal the verdict within the 14-day deadline.

According to the lengthy decision of the “military court,” which took over an hour to read, the “prosecution” failed to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The “court” noted that there was no logical motive for the first defendant to cross the Strovilia checkpoint covertly, as he was neither banned from entry nor subject to any “warrant.” On the contrary, “records showed hundreds of lawful crossings by both him and his co-defendants in the past.”

The “military court” pointed to serious investigative shortcomings, including the failure to check for fingerprints on the identity card of one defendant who was accused of entering the north illegally—a detail the defense considered crucial. It was also confirmed that the surveillance cameras at the crossing were out of order at the time, further reinforcing doubt. The claim that the defendant crossed for intelligence-gathering purposes was dismissed as baseless.

The “court” also highlighted the responsibility of “officials” at the crossing points, stressing that “checks cannot be conducted selectively based on nationality” and that “the authorities have an obligation to ensure proper control even during busy days.”

The “court” ruled that the Strovilia crossing constitutes a “first-degree military restricted zone.” With the acquittal of the main defendant on the primary charge, the remaining four were also cleared of aiding and abetting. “They entered the court as innocent and will leave as innocent,” said the defense lawyer.

Immediately after the ruling, lawyer Oncel Polili stated: “The court of the security forces has acquitted all five of our clients. The court found that the charge was not proven and that there was no logical reason for Mr. G. not to hand over his identity card.”

Polili added that the court noted the lack of fingerprint analysis on the identity card as an “investigative deficiency” contributing to the acquittal. “Five Greek Cypriots came here as innocent, and they will soon leave as innocent,” he said, emphasizing that “the most important aspect of this case is the solidarity shown among Cypriots.”

When asked about the procedure for the three who are expected to return (as two remain “on trial” in Trikomo), Polili said: “Today we will go to the Trikomo police headquarters to request the return of their identity cards. We expect them to be handed back.”

Regarding a possible appeal from the “prosecution,” which could delay the three men’s return to the government-controlled areas, the lawyer clarified: “The prosecution has 14 days to appeal. We do not yet know whether they will do so.”