Lawyer Murat Metin Hakkı: “This Case Is Full of Legal Absurdities”

Hakkı noted that in the past 24 hours, he received significant support from the legal community, exceeding his expectations. He highlighted backing from Bar Association President Hasan Esendağlı, Girne Bar Association President Arzu İzveren, Lefkoşa Bar Association President Buğra Akter, and numerous colleagues who voluntarily stood by him.

Denial of Personal Data Violations

Hakkı firmly rejected allegations concerning violations of personal data involving his Greek Cypriot clients. He argued that legal definitions in the relevant laws are vague, stating: “There is no clear regulation regarding land registry records; one cannot be punished for matters that are not explicitly defined.”

State Among Complainants

Drawing attention to a list of approximately 14 properties, Hakkı noted that five were registered in the name of the TRNC and that his client had submitted requests for their return. “We learned that the TRNC State is also among the complainants. This is a legal absurdity,” he said.

No Case in Southern Cyprus

Hakkı addressed claims that documents obtained in 2021 could be used for lawsuits against Turkish Cypriots in Southern Cyprus, clarifying: “There is no lawsuit filed in Southern Cyprus. I do not take these allegations seriously.”

Handcuffing Was an Insult to the Legal Community

Confirming that he was brought to court in handcuffs, Hakkı described the act as an insult to the legal profession. He expressed confidence that the Bar Association would respond and said, “I am fully confident, and this treatment is unacceptable.”

“We Will Emerge With Our Heads Held High”

Hakkı affirmed his full trust in the TRNC judiciary, stating that he will follow the process with patience and determination. “As the legal community, we must be strong, united, and resilient. We will emerge from this process with honor and our heads held high,” he concluded.