Man arrested on return to north Cyprus for assaulting girlfriend at the airport

Ercan, North Cyprus — A 25-year-old man identified as B.D., accused of assaulting his girlfriend inside Ercan Airport, was arrested on his return to the north Cyprus.

The incident, which has been classified as an assault and a case of violence against women, allegedly took place in the early hours of May 16, 2025. 

The police stated that the suspect, B.D. physically assaulted his 30-year-old girlfriend, F.M., reportedly because she insisted on traveling abroad with him.

Although the complaint was filed on May 17, legal proceedings were delayed as the suspect had already departed the country. Authorities declared B.D. a wanted individual and arrested him upon his return to Northern Cyprus at Ercan Airport on May 27.

According to police testimony, surveillance footage from the airport was reviewed, medical examinations were conducted, and a report confirming physical assault was obtained. The police also noted that the complainant has continued to pursue charges.

During cross-examination, the defense questioned whether the video footage clearly showed an assault. The police responded that B.D. was seen pushing his girlfriend and that the medical report corroborated signs of physical abuse. 

The defense argued that B.D. and F.M. had been in a relationship for 11 months, and that B.D. had been trying to end it for the past eight months. It was also noted that F.M. is a faculty member at the university where B.D. studies. Additionally, the defense alleged that F.M. had previously assaulted the defendant and would be filing a complaint in that regard.

After reviewing the evidence, the judge ruled that B.D. may remain free while awaiting trial under the conditions that: he is banned from leaving the country, report to the police once in two weeks, pay a bail fee of ₺30,000 and submit a personal surety bond of ₺100,000.

The court’s decision reflects a balance between ensuring the suspect’s appearance at trial and respecting the principle of presumed innocence pending a full legal resolution.