MEP Marios Matsakis was discharged from Larnaca hospital yesterday after being treated for the dehydration he suffered during a two-day hunger strike in a British bases prison.
In statements to reporters, Matsakis claimed he had been mistreated by bases police while being transported by helicopter from Akrotiri to Dhekelia.
The anti-bases MEP was arrested in Akrotiri on Thursday on two outstanding warrants for criminal damage and refused to pay £500 bail because he did not recognise the court.
Thanking the government for speaking out against his detention, Matsakis said it was time the issue of the British bases was put on the table for discussion.
“The stance of the British offended the European Parliament and the Republic of Cyprus and not me personally,” he said.
Matsakis said he would be focusing his efforts on the application to the bases of EU law, “so that the acquis communautaire is applied to the areas of Cyprus under British occupation”.
He said this would be done in co-operation with the government.
“This is my primary goal and aim,” he added. “The so-called sovereignty of the British in Cyprus must be examined seriously both from the political and legal point of view. It’s a collective effort.”
Matsakis was effectively freed on Saturday after being taken to Larnaca hospital by bases authorities concerned that his refusal to take water might aggravate an unidentified medical condition.
Once he was in an area controlled by the Cyprus Republic, bases authorities no longer had any jurisdiction. They said the ball was in his court as far as returning to face the charges was concerned.
Speaking about his transfer from Akrotiri to Dhekelia in a military helicopter, Matsakis said he had been restrained by force and was mistreated by bases personnel.
He said he had already reported it to the Cyprus police.
“Against my will, they put me in a military helicopter with the escort of three pseudo police officers of bases, three crew members and a military doctor,” said Matsakis.
He said that as soon as the helicopter reached the perimeter of the bases he asked whether they were in Cyprus airspace.
He said he then recognised Limassol and demanded to be put down in the territory of the Cyprus Republic
“I was attacked by the pseudo police officers – one took me by the neck – and they restrained me because there were more of them and I was alone.
So this is how they transferred me to Dhekelia, in handcuffs,” he said.
Matsakis also criticised EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, whose spokesman referred to the “Greek Cypriot government” when commenting on the arrest. An apology was issued from Rehn’s office the same day.
“Olli Rehn’s positions were unacceptable but that does not surprise me, because Mr Rehn is used to representing the Turkish and British and not EU positions,” said Matsakis.
