Three students sent to prison for two months for trying to enter south Cyprus illegally

LEFKOŞA — The Lefkoşa High Criminal Court has sentenced three individuals to two months in prison for forming a secret alliance with the intent to unlawfully cross into South Cyprus. 

The defendants — MB, ZRM and EMN — were found guilty of conspiring to commit a serious offense and making illegal arrangements to cross the Green Line.

The verdict announced on Wednesday May 14 pertains to events that occurred on March 22, 2025, in the Gemikonağı region.

According to the court findings, the three defendants were stopped by police near Serhatköy Primary School around 9:30 PM due to suspicious behavior. Identity checks led to a broader investigation, revealing that the individuals had allegedly made an arrangement with an as-yet-unidentified person in Lefke to facilitate their illegal passage into the south. It was established that the defendants paid a total of €800 for this purpose.

The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense, noting that the defendants were remanded in custody on March 23, 2025, pending trial. 

"This is a grave and significant crime that concerns public interest," said Judge Barkın. While acknowledging that the individuals were attempting to escape in search of better conditions, she stressed that such actions undermine the legal and social order.

Concluding the hearing, the court sentenced each defendant to two months' imprisonment.