The Cyprus Seven Trial (also known as the Cyprus Eight Trial) was a Cold War espionage affair uncovered at one of the military bases in Cyprus during 1983 and 1984. The allegations rested upon several servicemen, although seven were sent to trial at the Old Bailey in London. Two were from the Royal Signals, and five from the Royal Air Force, with all being accused of engaging in homosexual activities and passing state secrets "by the bagful" to the Soviet intelligence network.[note 1] The treatment of the accused whilst detained before trial was deemed unlawful and after a trial at the Old Bailey in 1985, in which they were acquitted, six of the servicemen were allowed to sue the Ministry of Defence for their mistreatment.
It was the longest spy trial go through the British court system. It was also known as the Mata Hari Cyprus Spy Ring due to the involvement of a female conspirator despite the allegations of homosexuality.[1]
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