Greek Cypriot Andreas Soutzi, who was arrested on charges of “photographing the military area” and “possession of illegal radio equipment”, was brought before a military court and sent to prison to stand trial. Police say there are no espionage charges against Soutzi
Greek Cypriot Andreas Soutzi, who was arrested on charges of “photographing the first-degree military forbidden zone” and “possession of illegal radio equipment”, was brought before a military court and sent to prison to stand trial.
Soutzi’s lawyer Öncel Polili asked the police “whether Soutzi had anything to do with the crime of espionage”, and the police stated that there was no such charge.
Police officer Murat Ergün, who gave sworn testimony in court, stated that Soutzi was accused of “taking photographs of the military forbidden zone in the first degree” and “possession of illegal radio equipment”.
Ergün said that it was determined that Soutzi had taken 5 separate photographs in the “First Degree Military Forbidden Zone” in the MaraÅŸ region.
The police said that a walkie-talkie was found in a hotel room where the suspect was staying in Iskele, and it was given to the police by the hotel authorities and it was determined that Soutzi had crossed to the Republic of Cyprus.
The police said that Soutzi was arrested on 30 August after crossing from Pile to the northern part of Cyprus, and a fixed radio device, 9 maps, voice recorder, external memory and materials were found in his vehicle, and there were indications.
Police said that on one of the maps it was determined that two Turkish military areas in the north of Cyprus were marked.
The police stated that Soutzi had a total of 21,775 data at his disposal and was sent to the data inspection branch.
Police said that in the examination made on the suspect’s mobile phone, there were 5 pictures of the military zone.
The police demanded the pre-trial detention of Soutzi, who is a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus.
While Soutzi’s lawyer Öncel Polili did not object to his client’s request for a pre-trial detention, he asked if he had any connection with the crime of espionage.
The police stated that there was no such accusation.
Evaluating the testimony given in his presence, Judge Hazal Hacımulla ordered that the suspect be held in prison for a period not exceeding 7 days, and that he be immediately checked by a doctor from a full-fledged state hospital.
