Man sentenced to 4 years in prison in north Cyprus for sexually abusing two children

A 49-year-old man who was facing trial for sexually abusing and harassing two girls aged 6 and 7 in Lefkoşa, was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison.

The verdict against the defendant, named as OT, a Turkish national was announced by a court in Lefkosa on Tuesday January 14.

Delivering the judgement, the judge stated that the defendant admitted to all the charges brought against him and noted that the sexual abuse offense he committed carries a maximum sentence of six years. 

The judge emphasized that sexual offenses disturb society and families, causing trauma to children and young people who are subjected to such crimes. She added that the prescribed penalty is not deterrent enough and urged the legislature to address this issue.

Referring to the recent increase in sexual offenses, both against children and in general, the judge stressed that public interest must take precedence when sentencing such severe crimes. She stated that the defendant committed the offenses by calling children who were playing near their family’s shops in the evening and that he was intoxicated at the time. The incident was clearly captured on security cameras.

The judge noted that the defendant, in his defense, claimed to have four children, two of whom are disabled, and that he came to Northern Cyprus to work during the winter months. 

“The defendant, who claims he came to the country to work, commits such a crime in an intoxicated state on one of the busiest streets of Nicosia and is living in the country illegally,” she added.

After evaluating all the facts, the judge announced that the defendant was sentenced to four years and six months in prison.