Congressional Hellenic Caucus calls attention to politically motivated arrests in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus

Members of the U.S. Congressional Hellenic Caucus have sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging him to take immediate diplomatic action for the release of five Greek-Cypriots detained in the Turkish-occupied territories of northern Cyprus.

The letter was signed by Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Nicole Malliotakis, Dina Titus, and Chris Pappas, who emphasized that the arrests appear to be politically motivated and could undermine ongoing efforts for a bi-zonal, bi-communal resolution for the reunification of Cyprus—a goal actively supported by the U.S. State Department.

Background: Arrests in Trikomo

The five elderly Greek-Cypriots were arrested on July 19 in the town of Trikomo, located in the occupied northern part of Cyprus. According to Turkish Cypriot media, they were charged with espionage while visiting their former properties—land they were displaced from during the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island.

Their arrest occurred just hours before the 51st anniversary of the invasion, widely remembered in the Republic of Cyprus as a national tragedy. The timing of the arrests has further fueled suspicions of a political message behind the detentions.

Dispute Over Property and Illegal Construction

Reports from Greek state broadcaster ERT indicate that the detained individuals were allegedly gathering information related to construction activity in the area—specifically, sites being developed on land originally owned by Greek-Cypriots.

Turkish Cypriot authorities claim the land in question is now "Turkish-owned." However, international observers and Cypriot authorities often flag the region for illegal development on seized Greek-Cypriot property, a long-standing issue in the stalled peace talks.

Call for U.S. Engagement

The Congressional letter urges Secretary Rubio to engage diplomatically with Turkish and Turkish Cypriot authorities and demand the immediate release of the detainees. The lawmakers argue that failure to do so could further jeopardize peace efforts and increase tensions between the communities.

“This incident undermines the delicate framework needed to achieve a lasting solution in Cyprus,” the lawmakers said, stressing that the U.S. must remain a strong advocate for human rights, property rights, and the rule of law on the island.