European Parliament Urges Sanctions on Turkey Over Illegal Detention of Five Greek Cypriots

In a powerful show of unity, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly today in Strasbourg to adopt a resolution condemning the illegal detention of five Greek Cypriots in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus, calling for their immediate and unconditional release.

Out of 602 MEPs present, 597 voted in favor, with only 5 abstentions. The resolution was supported across all major political groups in the Parliament.

Condemnation of Occupation and Violation of International Law

In the adopted text, Members of the European Parliament:

• Strongly condemn the ongoing illegal occupation of the northern part of Cyprus by Turkey, now in its 51st year.
• Denounce what they call a “serious violation of international law”, describing Turkey’s actions as a “threat to peace, stability, and EU-Turkey relations.”
• Accuse the occupying regime of “disregarding the rule of law” and engaging in kidnappings, intimidation, and hostage-like tactics against Greek Cypriots attempting to access ancestral properties or seek restitution through the so-called “Immovable Property Commission” in the occupied areas.

Call for EU Action and Sanctions

MEPs stress that the European Union has both a moral and legal obligation to stand by the Republic of Cyprus and its citizens — who are also EU citizens. The resolution:

• Calls on the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS)
• To take “all necessary steps”, including
• The consideration of targeted sanctions against Turkey if violations continue.

Conditional Release of Three Detainees

A verbal amendment by MEP Giorgos Georgiou of AKEL (The Left) was also adopted, noting that:“On 10 September 2025, three of the five Greek Cypriots were conditionally released by the unrecognized ‘military court’, but they remain in the occupied territories and are not allowed to return to their homes.”

The European Parliament’s resolution sends a clear and unified message that Turkey’s actions in Cyprus remain unacceptable under international and European law. With the rights of EU citizens under threat, the resolution reflects increasing pressure for the EU to respond with concrete measures rather than rhetoric alone.

Source: pagenews.gr