Turkish citizen arrested in North Cyprus for living illegally in the country begs not to be deported.

Lefkosa, TRNC — A Turkish national, who was found to be residing illegally in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), was arrested after authorities discovered he had been living in the country without permission for almost two years.

The suspect named only as AE was brought to court on Wednesday June 11.

Police officer who testified in court said the suspect was identified and arrested during a routine patrol in the Minareliköy area around 12:30 a.m. on June 9, 2025 after he was stopped due to his suspicious behavior.

Upon conducting an immigration check, it was revealed that he had been living in the country illegally for 678 days since August 3, 2023.

Following his arrest, police launched an investigation and stated that deportation procedures were being initiated. The police requested that the suspect be held in custody for two days to allow the investigation to proceed.

During the hearing, the suspect addressed the court, saying, “Please don’t deport me to Turkey. I fear for my safety. I want to seek asylum in the TRNC.”

The judge, after reviewing the testimony and evidence presented, ordered that the suspect to remain in police custody for two days.