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EUROPEAN arrest warrants could be issued for people holding properties illegally, according to a bill submitted before the House Legal Affairs Committee yesterday.
 

The bill was tabled by United Democrats deputy Androulla Vasiliou and extends to European citizens in possession of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied north.
Committee chairman Ionas Nicolaou said: “The arrangement is very general and can cover any case”.

“Irrespective of any other problems in the execution of warrants of this nature, we believe that it could act beneficially in curbing the sales of Greek Cypriot refugees’ properties to foreigners in the north.”

The bill, which was discussed behind closed doors, provides for stiffer prison sentences for the illegal possession and use of immovable property, and makes possible the issue of European arrest warrants by district courts.

“It effectively allows district courts to issue European arrest warrants against the person possessing, enjoying or using property against the owner’s will,” Nicolaou said.

The bill came to amend the current law, in force for the past 40 years, which provides for six months in jail or a £400 fine for offenders.

The current provisions fail to meet the criteria necessary for a European arrest warrant since to secure one, the offence should carry a sentence of over 12 months.

Nicolaou suggested an increase in the penalties for other offences to enable authorities secure European arrest warrants aiming in protecting society from offenders.

The bill, when passed, could come into play in cases such as that of Linda Orams, who had been ordered by a court to demolish a house built on Greek Cypriot property in the north, as well as compensate the owner.

Orams, who is currently fighting the order in court, could be facing further court battles in England, where the refugee plans to seek recourse in case she failed to comply.
Closing arguments in the case will be heard by a Nicosia court today.
 

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By Mary Antonescu