Karalar: Attacks on Drivers Increasing, No Safety Measures in Place

Speaking to Kıbrıs Postası, President of the Cyprus Turkish Taxi Drivers’ Associations Federation Murat Karalar clarified that the victim was not a taxi driver but a chauffeur providing touristic transport services. “He was not a taxi driver per se, but his vehicle—a Vito—often gets mistaken for a taxi,” Karalar said.

Condemning the attack, Karalar highlighted the growing trend of violence against drivers. “These assaults are becoming more common. Passengers are often intoxicated or arrogant, and they refuse to pay the fare, choosing instead to attack the driver,” he stated.

Karalar strongly criticized the Ministry of Public Works and Transport for failing to take adequate safety measures in the sector. “There are no proper precautions being taken. They only care about issuing licenses. While plans are being drafted for casino-related transportation, public transport and safety should be the real focus. Thought must be given to developing safety strategies, but this is not happening. All they’re interested in is granting ‘T’ licenses to their political affiliates and securing profit,” he charged.

Police Statement on the Incident

According to police information, the incident occurred at around 3:30 p.m. on 9 June 2025 at the Ercan Airport Roundabout. A traffic accident occurred when a vehicle driven by 40-year-old İ.Ü. was hit by another car.

Following the accident, five passengers—E.G. (53), E.G. (36), H.K. (46), F.Ö. (49), and V.G. (45)—physically attacked the driver, claiming he had endangered their lives. The assailants beat the driver severely, striking him multiple times and causing a fracture to his right hand.

Legal proceedings have been initiated against all five individuals, and the investigation is ongoing.