FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – The number of crimes committed by children under the age of 16 in northern Cyprus has surged dramatically, rising 78.8% in just one year, according to recent figures.
Particularly troubling is the spike in violent offenses, Kibris, the main Turkish Cypriot daily, reports.
Authorities in the north reported that 127 minors were involved in criminal activity in 2024, up from 71 the previous year.
Most alarming, however, is the increase in serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, battery, and rape.
These offenses rose from just 3 cases in 2023 to 21 in 2024 — a staggering 600% increase.
Violent Crimes Skyrocket
- Serious offenses such as murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, battery, and rape rose from 3 cases in 2023 to 21 in 2024—a 600% increase.
- Property-related crimes including robbery, burglary, theft, and unlawful possession jumped from 33 to 73, marking a 121.2% rise.
- Public disorder and vandalism offenses, such as fighting, disturbance, and intentional damage, rose by 300%, from 3 to 12 cases.
- “Indecent behavior” cases increased from 6 to 13, a 116.6% spike.
Legal experts are calling for urgent reforms.
Sevilay Yıldırımer, a board member of the ‘Universal Children’s Rights Association’, emphasized the need to establish dedicated juvenile courts.
“The Child Justice Law has become obsolete,” she said, urging lawmakers to pass updated legislation to ensure minors are interrogated and tried in accordance with international standards.