Four to face trial for kidnapping and possession of explosives in north Cyprus

Four individuals were brought to court for their involvement in the act of kidnapping and the possession of explosives in northern Cyprus.

The four suspects identified only as, A.K., H.B.T., A.N., H.Y., and İ.I., were arrested in Girne on April 13 and brought to court on charges of “illegal possession of explosives, forced abduction, threats of violence, and assault”. 

Police in a court statement stated at around 5:10 am on April 13, 2025, the complainant O.A. met with the suspects to discuss an incident where A.K. had allegedly been assaulted. The suspects then forcibly placed O.A. into a vehicle driven by B.T. and took him to a storage area behind a café.

The officer explained that the five suspects severely beat O.A. in the storage area, striking him on various parts of his body with their hands and feet. He further stated that suspect İ.I. showed O.A. an unlicensed black handgun of unknown make, which he had in his waistband, and threatened him by saying, “Sit properly, don’t annoy me, or I’ll fill you with holes.”

Additionally, police said that A.K. stole the complainant’s mobile phone. Following the complaint, the suspects were arrested; however, the gun allegedly used in the incident has not yet been found.

The officer noted that the part of the investigation that could be influenced by the suspects has been completed and requested bail conditions for them.

The judge prohibited all suspects from leaving the country until trial. He also ordered that they report to the police once a week. 

A.K. was required to deposit 50,000 TL in cash, while the other four suspects were ordered to deposit 30,000 TL each. In addition, a surety of 500,000 TL was set for A.K., and a surety of 350,000 TL each for the other four suspects.