Greek Woman Arrested at Cyprus Border for Smuggling Turkish Partner

A Greek woman has been arrested by the occupying authorities in Cyprus for allegedly attempting to violate the military no-go zone by hiding her Turkish partner in the trunk of her car, according to a report from Hürriyet newspaper.

The woman, identified as Eugenia Kanellaki, reportedly tried to smuggle her partner, Tailan Özgür Özer, from the occupied northern part of Cyprus to the government-controlled southern areas. Their plan was thwarted when authorities became suspicious during a routine checkpoint inspection and discovered Özer concealed in the trunk.

A Six-Day Visit Ends in Arrest

The couple’s story began when Kanellaki traveled to the occupied areas of Cyprus on January 11 to meet Özer, who had flown in from Istanbul via the illegal Ercan Airport. After spending six days together, they decided to return to the free areas of the island.

However, due to restrictions preventing Turkish citizens from crossing to the south, Kanellaki attempted to bypass the regulations by hiding Özer in her vehicle’s trunk.

The authorities’ discovery led to the arrest of both individuals, who are now in custody awaiting their next court hearing.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the division of Cyprus and the complex restrictions on movement between the occupied north and the free areas. The case has drawn attention due to its personal and political dimensions, shedding light on the challenges faced by couples separated by the island's division.

Further developments are expected as the case proceeds in court.