Woman accused of running over ex-husband in Gönyeli

Gönyeli, North Cyprus – July 9, 2025 — A woman accused of deliberately hitting her ex-husband with her car in Gönyeli has been released on bail pending trial.  

Fatma Kanıöz appeared in court on Wednesday, denying the charges and claiming her ex-husband jumped in front of her vehicle during an attempt to flee from domestic violence.

The incident, which occurred on July 3, 2025, reportedly began with an argument between Fatma Kanıöz and her ex-husband Salih Kanıöz. According to police reports presented in Lefkoşa District Court, Fatma was attempting to leave the area in her parked vehicle with her children when Salih Kanıöz allegedly threw himself in front of the car.

The police told the court that Salih Kanıöz sustained a 3-centimeter cut to the back of his head and a fractured left ankle after the vehicle's front right tire allegedly rolled over his foot, causing him to fall backward and hit his head on the pavement. He was transported by ambulance to Lefkoşa State Hospital, where he remains under treatment in the orthopedics ward.

During questioning, Fatma Kanıöz claimed her ex-husband intentionally blocked her vehicle by jumping in front of it. Her account was supported by the couple's children, who provided statements under the supervision of psychologists and social services officers, confirming that their father leapt in front of the car.

Police confirmed that the children were the only eyewitnesses to the incident. Fatma Kanıöz has denied all allegations and claimed she was attempting to protect herself and her children while fleeing from abuse.

The prosecution requested bail with conditions, citing the ongoing investigation and the seriousness of the injuries involved.

The judge ruled that the accused may be released under the following conditions: pay a cash bail of 15,000 TL, a surety of 200,000 TL from one guarantor, banned from leaving the country, and report to the police once a month.

After the bail hearing, Fatma Kanıöz broke her silence, stating that rumors circulating on social media about the incident were false and defamatory. She asserted that she was the victim of domestic abuse, and her ex-husband—who she claims has failed to pay alimony—was spreading misinformation online, including baseless allegations of theft.

Kanıöz emphasized that the facts of the case, including official witness statements, contradict the social media accusations. “I am the one who has been subjected to violence,” she stated.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident.