Man sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison for sexually abusing a teenager in north Cyprus

A man who sexually abused a teenager has been sentenced to 4 years and six months in prison by a north Cyprus court.

The decision against the defendant, Nasser Uddin was announced by the Lefkosa High Criminal Court on Tuesday April 29, 2025.

Announcing the judgement, the senior judge said that the defendant sexually abused a 14-year-old girl, who was his neighbor, in front of an apartment building in Lefkosia on December 14, 2024.

The judge stated that the complainant was sent to the market by her mother and that the defendant, who was her neighbor and saw her at that moment, first made some comments about her physical appearance in the dirt area there, and the complainant got scared and told the defendant that her mother was waiting.

The judge stated that after leaving the market, the defendant went to the complainant again and tried to talk to her promising to give her money.

The judge said that the complainant got scared and said, "I'm going to my friend's place" and tried to leave, but the defendant came back to her and sexually abused her.

The judge who stated that the defendant tried to approach the complainant fearlessly and persistently in a public area said, “This is never acceptable. On our island, a child should be able to walk the streets without fear and without feeling in any danger. We cannot tolerate those who disrupt this order.”

The judge noted that they found the defendant guilty of the charges brought against him in light of his own confession, the facts and indications presented, and stated that the crime of child sexual abuse is punishable by up to 6 years in prison in our penal code.

The judge emphasised that sexual crimes are among the most serious and grave crimes that disturb the peace of society and create anxiety in society, as stated in many High Court decisions.

The judge stated that such crimes are becoming increasingly widespread and said: “This situation causes great unrest in society in general and families are very anxious while raising their children. In such a serious, widespread and severe crime, the maximum penalty of 6 years significantly limits the deterrent effect expected in sentencing. As we have stated in our previous decisions, we reiterate our opinion that the Legislature should reconsider this penalty.”

The judge, who touched upon all the issues in favor and against the defendant, announced that they unanimously sentenced the defendant to 4 years and 6 months in prison.