THE TRIAL of a Turkish Cypriot architect, accused of designing villas on Greek Cypriot land in the north, was yesterday postponed for a later date because of his poor health.
Judge Nicos Yiapanas ruled that the trial be postponed until December 8.
Osman Sarper was arrested on June 28 as he crossed from the north, after police at the Ayios Dhometios checkpoint discovered seven box files containing plans and documents issued by the Turkish Cypriot authorities. It is alleged that Sarper is involved in building projects on land belonging to Greek Cypriot refugees who fled the Turkish invasion in 1974.
Police have charged the suspect with intention to commit a crime, illegal possession and use of property, and attempting to conceal a crime.
Sarper’s defence lawyer yesterday told the court that a recent psychologist’s report on his client had deduced that he was not mentally fit enough to stand trial. The lawyer also told the judge that his client was in need of therapy because of his weak heart and that a three or four month postponement was needed because his client is set to have an operation.
State Prosecutor Anthie Zachariadou did not object to the defence request, despite telling the court that the state’s medical report on Sarper did not share the views of the psychologist.
The prosecutor said the state requested that the suspect pay £1,500 bail to guarantee he would turn up at the trial date.
The state is set to call three witnesses at the hearing on December 8.
Sarper and his defence team walked out of the courtroom smiling.
Sarper’s arrest sparked an angry response from members of the Turkish Cypriot Architects’ Association and his relatives, who have led protests calling for Sarper’s release.
The association also handed a letter to UN officials complaining of recent Greek Cypriot searches on the vehicles of its members.
The letter said Turkish Cypriot architects had been working with Greek Cypriot colleagues since 1990, and that no mention had been made in the past suggesting that their work was illegal in any way. The letter asked what had happened in recent times to turn the Greek Cypriot police’s attention on them.
