A French appeals court has refused to execute a European arrest warrant issued by the Republic of Cyprus for Bahdat Ciafari, an Iran-born developer holding “TRNC citizenship”, according to his own public statements and reports in the Turkish-Cypriot press. Ciafari, who was arrested in Nice and detained pending extradition proceedings, has since returned to the north via Istanbul.
The Court of Appeal in Aix-en-Provence is reported to have rejected the warrant on 10 December. Ciafari published a written statement upon his arrival in the north, claiming the case against him stemmed from his construction activities in and allegations that some projects were carried out illegally on Greek-Cypriot property.
He said French judicial authorities “examined my case thoroughly, independently and with full impartiality”, arguing that the ruling “clearly demonstrates the strength of the rule of law in France”, and that decisions were based on evidence rather than “political motives”.
Ciafari thanked his legal teams in France, as well as the Turkish-Cypriot community. He also insisted he returned “fully legally” and “in compliance with all procedures”.
He said he had now “returned home” and would continue his business activities “lawfully and transparently” in the north.
Turkish-Cypriot media also highlighted comments by Ünal Üstel, who claimed the decision confirmed longstanding arguments that a European arrest warrant cannot have legal effect in the north due to the suspension of EU law there. Üstel described the ruling as “a significant legal development”, arguing that the Republic of Cyprus has no authority to conduct criminal proceedings relating to property inside the occupied areas.
Source: CNA