A bill increasing penalties for possession, cultivation or exploitation in any way of land or immovable property belonging to a third person has been submitted to the House, giving leverage to the Law Office for cases concerning the usurpation of properties in the north.

The bill was submitted by Disy MP Rita Theodorou Superman, who called on people whose property is being exploited to take their complaint to the police.

The amendments proposed provide for the increase of prison sentences from two years to five and the fines from £5,000 to €10,000.

Superman said the amendment could be used in cases of usurpation of property in the north.

“The aim is to give yet another instrument to the Law Office, so it can sue the usurpers of property in the north,” she added.

The MP also said this would give the phenomenon visibility.