The judiciary is independent, and trials generally meet international standards of fairness. Civilians suspected of violating military zones are tried in military courts, which respect due process but have been accused of pro-military bias. Turkish Cypriot police sometimes flout due process rights and abuse and intimidate detainees. Detainees are generally not held longer than 24 hours without charge. Private newspapers and periodicals offer a wide range of views, while at least eight new private radio and three private television stations broadcast alongside government stations.
International broadcasts are available without interference.
Turkish Cypriot officials have been known to file cases against journalists for damaging the prestige of the state, but cases are often dropped before coming to trial. Advocates for Greek Cypriots living in the northern city of Karpassia claim that these individuals are denied freedom of movement, speech, property ownership, and access to Greek media. Outstanding property claims arising from the 1974 division and population exchange remain an obstacle to a final peace and demilitarization settlement on the island. Approximately 85 percent of the land in the north is claimed by its original Greek Cypriot owners. In 1996, the European Court for Human Rights held Turkey directly responsible for denying a Greek Cypriot refugee access to her property since 1974.