A request for a “trial within a trial” over the arrest of a 49-year-old German woman who stands accused of having sold Greek Cypriot property in the north was given the go-ahead at the Nicosia criminal court on Wednesday.

The woman’s lawyers have alleged that the manner in which she was arrested in July last year, as well as the seizure of her luggage and the search of her electronic devices, violated articles of the Republic of Cyprus’ constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.

In specifics, the defence argues that she was not provided with a translation of the arrest warrant in a language she understands, as she only speaks German and there was no German-speaking interpreter available at the time.

Additionally, the German embassy in Nicosia was allegedly not notified of her arrest.

Judge Nikolas Georgiades said he believes the conditions for a “trial within a trial” to be held have met, and as such decreed that it be staged, with the next court date set for Friday.

The woman was arrested while attempting to board an outbound flight from Larnaca airport in July last year.

Having reportedly spoken about selling property in the north to an off-duty police officer during her inbound flight, the officer in question then reportedly told a colleague and an investigation was launched.

The first officer reportedly informed the woman that selling property in the north was illegal, something to which she did not respond.

She denies all charges.