Casino in Turkish Cyprus
Photo: Avigail Uzi
Cyprus: 2 Israelis released from custody
2 young Israelis detained by Turkish Cyprus after entering restricted military zone several days ago released Friday
A Turkish Cyprus court ordered Friday the release from custody of Omer Ginzburg, 21, and Nir Baruch, 22, who have been arrested
in the country several days ago after entering a restricted military zone by accident.
The two Israelis were ordered to pay a 150 Turkish liras fine before they were deported.
The mother of one of the Israelis told Ynet they entered the restricted zone by mistake.
"They arrived at a deserted village with torn down houses that was surrounded by a fence and came in. they did it out of curiosity and naivety. Suddenly someone approached them and asked them how they got there, and than an army force came and picked them up," she said.
She explained the two young men, who were arrested on Tuesday, had no idea they were entering a closed zone.
No diplomatic relations
During the time the Israelis were incarcerated Israeli officials were unable to visit the two, as Israel does not maintain diplomatic relations with Turkish Cyprus.
As a result, the Foreign Ministry turned to U.N. forces stationed in Turkish Cyprus and requested that a representative check up on the Israelis’ condition; the U.N. force complied and a representative said the two were in good condition.
“Israelis who visit countries that we have no diplomatic relations with should be aware that if things go wrong they do not have consular protection at their disposal,” a Foreign Ministry official told Ynet.
