MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – War crimes committed by the Turkish army in Cyprus – E-002070/2024

Question for written answer  E-002070/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Geadis Geadi (ECR)

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has issued judgments recognising a number of violations of the European Convention on Human Rights committed by Türkiye in Cyprus, such as the illegal deprivation of life, the violation of the right to property, torture and inhuman treatment. The Turkish forces are therefore understood to have committed numerous crimes against Greek Cypriot civilians and prisoners of war during the country’s invasion of Cyprus.

The discovery of mass graves confirms that many of the missing Greek Cypriots met a tragic end at the hands of the Turkish invaders. Photographic evidence has recently come to light depicting prisoners alive and unarmed in the captivity of Turkish soldiers. These prisoners’ remains were later identified in mass graves, proving that they were executed in cold blood after being captured.

In light of the above:

• 1.What is the Commission’s position on the crimes committed by the Turkish forces in Cyprus, an EU Member State?
• 2.Given that Türkiye has still not complied with the compensation obligations imposed on it ten years ago, how does the Commission intend to hold the country to account for its actions?

Submitted: 15.10.2024