It wouldn't have happened if alcohol was banned in the country: Man arrested for sexually abusing two minors in north Cyprus says

A Turkish man who was accused and arrested in Lefkoia, north Cyprus for sexually abusing two children has blamed his action on alcohol claiming that it wouldn't have happened if alcohol was banned in the country. 

The suspect, identified only as OT, 49, a Turkish national was arrested in Lefkosia on May 15, 2024 for allegedly abusing two girls aged 6-7.

The suspect who was taken to court charged with sexual abuse and illegal residency and detained on court order and brought back to court again for the fourth time on Tuesday May 28. 

Police told the court that at around 6:30pm on May 15, 2024, the suspect allegedly abused both girls on Osman Pasa Street in Lefkosia.

Police said that the complaint was made on May 16, and the suspect was detected and arrested in the Walled City of Lefkosia on the same day.

During investigation on the matter, police said cameras at the scene of the crime were examined, the events before, during and after the incident were seen very clearly, and the suspect was clearly seen committing the crime. 

The suspect was found to be living illegally in the country for 204 days since October 25, 2023.

Police said the statements of the girls regarding the issue were taken in the presence of social workers while the suspect was checked at Barış Mental and Neurological Diseases Hospital during the period he was in detention but the result is not yet clear. 

Police noted that the part of the investigation that the suspect could influence was completed and that the crimes committed fell within the scope of the High Criminal Court, and requested that he be detained until his trial.

The suspect, who was given the opportunity to speak after the police, said, “I have 4 children. I am 50 years old, I have not committed a crime until this age, but when I came to Cyprus, I started drinking alcohol and smoking. No matter how much I regret it, it doesn't cover up the heinous crime I committed. "But drinking alcohol is allowed everywhere here, in fact, if it were banned, such crimes would not be committed," he said.

Following the suspect's statement, the judge said, “Your apology is bigger than your fault. "Then go to countries that alcohol are prohibited".

The judge ordered the defendant to be sent to prison for a period not exceeding 3 months.