Syrian Couple Detained in Northern Cyprus After Crossing Military Zone

A Syrian couple, identified as A.H. and S.E., who entered Northern Cyprus by crossing the military restricted zone, were brought before the Lefkoşa District Court, which operates as a Military Court. The court ordered that they be held in custody for 8 days pending their case hearings.

Police officer Süleyman Taluğ from the Lefkoşa Judicial Branch presented the details of the case in court. He stated that Syrian nationals A.H. (male, 27 years old), S.E. (female, 18 years old), and their two children, aged 1 and 4, crossed the first-degree military prohibited zone near the Ledra Palace Border Gate in Lefkoşa at approximately 01:00 on August 25, 2024, moving from Southern Cyprus to Northern Cyprus.

According to the police, the couple subsequently turned themselves in at the Lefkoşa Judicial Branch. They were initially brought to court, where a 3-day detention order was issued. During this period, they provided voluntary statements admitting to their actions.

The police officer mentioned that the investigation is now complete and requested that S.E., who is eight months pregnant, be detained with her children at the Yıldız dormitory, while A.H. should be held in prison for 8 days.

In court, S.E. expressed concerns about her situation, emphasizing that she is pregnant and has two young children, and requested assistance for her needs.

Following S.E.’s statement, the police noted that the Social Services Department is addressing the needs of the mother and children. Judge Nuray Necdet, after considering the testimonies, ordered that A.H. be detained in prison and S.E. be accommodated in the dormitory with her children for the next 8 days, until their cases are prepared.