Judge Barkın: Violence and Firearm Crimes on the Rise

She emphasized that sentencing aims not only to punish offenders but also to deter others. The court concluded the 2024–2025 judicial year on June 30, addressing the rising levels of violent crimes and their effects on community security.

Barkın stressed that sentencing should consider both the offender and public interest, saying, “When imposing penalties, we evaluate the High Court’s principles, the manner and severity of the crime, and the personal circumstances of the defendant. In cases affecting public property and safety, protecting the public interest must take precedence.”

She noted the increase in violent incidents, illegal import, possession, and use of firearms and explosives, homicides, and other firearm offenses, which have caused anxiety among citizens. “The public’s right to live in safety and security is protected by the Constitution. These crimes threaten national security and public safety,” Barkın said. She added that aggravating and mitigating factors are considered to ensure both punishment and deterrence.

Data Shared at Judicial Year Closing

During the closing session, Deputy Police Chief Erkut Efendi and Nicosia Central Prison Director Fatih Erdoğan presented crime data for the period September 18, 2023 – June 27, 2025.

Efendi outlined the offenses of 114 detainees under Nicosia Police jurisdiction:

• Firearms Law: 2

• Explosives Law: 1

• Aggravated Assault: 2

• Serious Injury / Major Assault: 6

• Homicide: 8

• Threat of Violence: 1

Erdoğan reported on 195 convicted individuals from Nicosia High Criminal and District Courts for the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 judicial years:

• Homicide: 6

• Attempted Homicide: 3

• Manslaughter: 16

• Aggravated Assault: 10

• Serious Injury / Major Assault: 7

• Threat of Violence: 1

• Unauthorized Firearm Possession: 6

Among detainees awaiting trial:

• Homicide: 3

• Aggravated Assault: 2

• Manslaughter: 2

• Unauthorized Firearm Possession: 4

Erdoğan highlighted that the data shows the severity of violent and firearm crimes in Nicosia, underlining the need to strengthen public safety measures.