ECHR HEARS THE FIRST MASS CASE BROUGHT BY CYPRIOT TURKS ON PROPERTY RIGHTS
A group of 27 Turkish Cypriots are seeking for their rights of property at the European Court of Human Rights.
For the first time, the ECHR has started hearing a mass case brought by Turkish Cypriots against the Greek Cypriot Administration.
The ECHR has asked for the Greek Cypriot Administrations’ defense.
The mass case consists of 10 different plea applications brought to the ECHR agenda between 2004 and 2008 by 27 Turkish Cypriots.
Mass case owners accuse the Greek Cypriot Administration of preventing them from using or returning to their immoveable properties left in South Cyprus.
Immoveable properties cited in the case are located in south Nicosia, Paphos, Limassol and Yagmuralan(Frodisia).
Litigants say the Greek Cypriot Administration’s prevention is against the rights of property and privacy as cited in the European Convention on Human Rights.
They also note that their right to claim their rights at the Greek Cypriot courts has been restricted and they have faced discrimination.
Among the Turkish Cyriots litigants are some British and American citizens.
Meanwhile, a court hearing by the ECHR will also take place in November, regarding 8 cases brought by Greek Cypriots on property.
These cases have been chosen by the ECHR to make a verdict on whether the Immoveable Property Commission established in the TRNC is line with the European Convention on Human Rights or not.
ECHR, with its 17 judges, will hear the case on the 18th of November in Strasbourg.