Greek national detained in Turkish Cyprus for photographing military sites

Authorities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have detained a Greek national on suspicion of photographing military installations and other sensitive sites, officials said Monday.

The suspect, identified as Georgios Bartzokis, allegedly entered the TRNC from the Greek Cypriot-administered south and was arrested in the town of Lefke, according to sources from Türkiye’s Interior Ministry.

Authorities said Bartzokis had captured images of military zones, the Turkish Embassy, and other critical facilities, some of which were digitally transmitted.

Screen grab shows social media posts by Greek national Georgios Bartzokis sharing information and photos of military sites in Turkish Cyprus on June 30, 2025. (IHA Photo)

Additional images of military zones and critical locations

Bartzokis was staying in a residence in the Yedidalga area, where a search uncovered additional images of military zones and critical locations, the sources said.

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He was brought before the Lefkosa District Court, which extended his detention by four days to allow time for forensic examination of the seized materials.

Bartzokis is expected to appear in court again on Friday. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.

June 30, 2025 08:40 PM GMT+03:00