Germany protests detention of German national in Cyprus property case

The German Embassy in Nicosia has issued a “strong protest” demanding the release of Ewa Isabella Künzel, a German real estate agent who has been in custody in Cyprus for approximately 25 months.

Künzel was arrested in 2024 following a conversation with European Parliament Member Geadis Geadi. Prosecutors allege she admitted to facilitating the sale of properties in northern Cyprus that belong to Greek Cypriots. While a court previously ruled that the seizure of her luggage and electronic devices was “unconstitutional” and “impermissible,” her recent request for bail was denied due to the complexity of the case.

The case has raised significant human rights concerns. Reports indicate Künzel has alleged mistreatment in prison, including inadequate access to medication and harsh search procedures. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reportedly involved as diplomatic tensions rise over the legality of the detention and the methods used by Cypriot authorities to collect evidence.