Aykut Transfer to Israel Expected This Week

According to Israeli media, the transfer of Israeli citizen Simon Aykut to Israel to serve the remainder of his sentence is expected to take place this week.

The reports cite statements by the Minister of Justice, Costas Fytiris, who emphasized the obligation of the Republic of Cyprus to comply with the relevant transfer agreement, following a request from Israel. It is noted that there were no objections at the last Council of Ministers meeting.

Aykut, 75, was sentenced in October 2025 to five years in prison for developing and selling properties on land belonging to displaced Greek Cypriots in the occupied territories. He was arrested in June 2024 at the Agios Dometios checkpoint.

The transfer will take place under the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. Aykut's family reports that he is facing serious health problems.

Last Updated: February 15, 2026 - 17:45