The plenary of the House of Representatives passed a law on Thursday evening that provides for harsher penalties for those found guilty in court of “usurping” Greek Cypriot property in northern Cyprus.

The Penal Code was amended to increase prison and fine penalties for the crime of “occupying, building on or exploiting in any way land or real estate owned by a third party.”

The aim is to prevent the illegal buying and selling of Greek Cypriot property in the north of the island.

If convicted by a court, the person faces a prison sentence of up to five years and/or a fine of up to 10,000 euros.

In the House of Representatives, MPs said the aim was to curb the increase in illegal purchases and sales of Greek Cypriot properties in areas not controlled by the Republic of Cyprus that has been observed in recent years.

The problem was most pronounced in Kyrenia, Trikomo, Famagusta and the occupied part of Nicosia.

Disy MP Rita Superman said that by the end of 2023, 15,000 houses in Trikomo, 9,000 in the Akanthou region, 4,000 in the Lapithos-Vasilia region, 2,400 in central Kyrenia, 2,000 in Lefka, 1,200 in Bellapais and 600 in Karpasia had been sold to foreigners.






Source: Reporter CM