Cyprus in 'stolen property' boost

Greek Cypriots thrown out of their homes by Turkey have reason to celebrate today…

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ordered Turkey to pay 835,000 euros within three months to Greek Cypriot refugee Ioannis Demades for the loss of use of his property in Kyrenia, occupied by Turkish troops since 1974.

The Court found Turkey guilty of continuous violations of the European Convention of Human Right as a result of its complete denial of the Applicant’s rights with respect to his home and the peaceful enjoyment of his property in Kyrenia.

The basic thrust of the judgement was as follows:

• Displaced Greek Cypriots cannot be deemed to have lost title to their property.
• Compensation can be awarded for losses flowing from the denial of access and loss of control, use and enjoyment of a property.

A wave of cases pending

Greek Cypriot lawyer Achilleas Demetriades, commented: “The decision reaffirms that the Greek Cypriots are the sole owners of their properties in the Turkish occupied areas. The decision is also important because it gives an estimation of the cost of occupation of the Greek Cypriot properties in Kyrenia.

“The Demades case is the third successful case dealing with compensation from Turkey in matters of property rights. There are a further 1,500 additional petitions pending before the ECHR. The Court decided to freeze them in view of the decisions to be taken regarding the eight pilot cases”.

Demetriades concluded: "If Turkey does not pay the compensation in three months, it will be charged with an additional 8% interest per year. Demades’ home, a two storey house with garden near the sea, is now occupied by a high ranking Turkish officer. The area around the house is a Turkish military zone".