PRESS RELEASE The Cyprus Democratic Lawyers Association condemns the sale of stolen Greek Cypriot land in Akanthou to convicted developer – Calls for full criminal investigation

Nicosia, 18 August 2025 – The Cyprus Democratic Lawyers Association (CDLA) expresses its strong indignation at the recent revelations that Mr. Şener Elcil, former Secretary General of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers’ Union (KTÖS) and a prominent political figure, sold Greek Cypriot land in occupied Akanthou in 2021 to the notorious Turkish-Israeli developer Simon Aykut, for £1,417,500, through Dumika Construction Ltd.

Official historical records and research by the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) confirm that Akanthou was exclusively inhabited by Greek Cypriots prior to the 1974 Turkish invasion. In 1973, the village population stood at 1,294 Greek Cypriots, without a single Turkish Cypriot resident. These families were violently displaced during the invasion and remain refugees to this day.

Mr. Elcil’s claims that the land was “family property” are demonstrably false. His family originates from Kalavasos, later moved to Mari, and only arrived in Akanthou after 1974 as a result of the occupation and appropriation of Greek Cypriot properties.

The buyer, Mr. Simon Aykut, currently faces 242 criminal charges in the Republic of Cyprus, including fraud, illegal possession and use of property, conspiracy to defraud, and money laundering amounting to €43.5 million, for mass developments on stolen Greek Cypriot land. His company, Afik Group, is behind large-scale illegal projects in occupied Famagusta, Kyrenia, Trikomo and elsewhere.

The CDLA condemns not only the individuals directly involved, but also the broader network of illegal “property transfers” in the occupied areas, facilitated by the so-called “Immovable Property Commission” and by political circles that legitimize the ongoing deprivation of the rights of the displaced.

The Cyprus Democratic Lawyers Association calls on the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to:

1. Immediately initiate a criminal investigation under Law 303A/2006 for the illegal handling of third-party immovable property.

2. Proceed with asset freezes and criminal prosecutions of all those involved, including intermediaries.

3. Publicly reaffirm the inalienable property rights of displaced Greek Cypriots and the illegality of any transaction without the consent of the lawful owner.

4. Intensify international advocacy to expose and block these acts worldwide.

“This case is a characteristic example of how profiteering from occupation undermines both the rights of victims and the credibility of political processes,” said a CDLA spokesperson.

“No political profile, no façade of peace activism, and no foreign capital can legitimize the sale of stolen land.”

Background:

Akanthou – Historically 100% Greek Cypriot population until August 1974; the entire community was displaced during the invasion.

Law 303A/2006 – Criminalizes the sale, lease, mortgage or promotion of property without the consent of the rightful owner, punishable by up to 7 years’ imprisonment.

Simon Aykut – Turkish-Israeli developer, naturalized “TRNC” citizen since 2013 by Ankara’s order; charged for large-scale illegal developments on Greek Cypriot land.

For more information:Cyprus Democratic Lawyers Association (CDLA)