Five Greek Cypriots arrested on espionage charges in occupied Cyprus

The five were arrested late Saturday after visiting their properties in the village of Trikomo and were scheduled to appear before a local court on Sunday.

The Greek Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mr. Theodoros Gkotsis, confirmed the arrests.

The incident is widely seen as a response to recent legal actions taken by the Greek Cypriot government against individuals accused of illegally occupying properties in the north.

Greek Cypriot authorities said they are taking diplomatic and legal measures and are coordinating with the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus.

The arrests have heightened tensions on the divided island and further complicated UN-led efforts to restart peace talks. Tensions have been high, with Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Ersin Tatar recently condemning the Greek Cypriot side's property-related arrests as “terrorizing acts.”