Israeli Businessman Sentenced for Illegally Developing Cyprus Property

A Cyprus court has sentenced Israeli businessman Shimon Aykut to five years in prison after he admitted to illegally developing Greek Cypriot property in the island's Turkish-held northern region. This case is considered one of the most politically sensitive issues on the island in recent years.

The unresolved division of Cyprus in 1974 continues to cause tension, particularly in property disputes. Aykut, who also holds Turkish and Portuguese citizenship, pleaded guilty to 40 charges of illegal property appropriation. Despite facing a maximum seven-year sentence, his time was reduced due to health concerns and lack of prior convictions.

Internal conflicts between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities have left many displaced since the 1960s and 1970s. While Turkish Cypriot properties in the south are managed by Greek Cypriot authorities, Greek Cypriot properties in the north were redistributed post-war. Aykut's lawyers argued for leniency, citing his age and role as secondary in the controversial property development.