Student arrested for breaching of privacy and online harassment allegations in north Cyprus

A foreign national who was arrested and detained for breaching privacy rules has been released on bail and to face trial in the future.

The individual, identified as TGK, an African student in north Cyprus was released on bail on Wednesday August 20 after appearing before the Lefkoşa District Court on charges relating to privacy violations and unlawful electronic communication.

The individual was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of “Violation of Privacy” and “Offences Against the Electronic Communications Law” following a complaint filed against him.

Police stated in court testimony that between 15 and 16 August 2025, between the hours of 12:00 and 14:00, the suspect allegedly published private messages from a year earlier with complainant A.D.S. multiple times on social media. This, the officer explained, amounted to a breach of personal privacy.

In addition, the suspect was accused of repeatedly calling A.D.S. via WhatsApp and sending harassing messages, including calling the complainant a “coward hiding behind the police.”

The court heard that the complainant had previously reported the defendant to the police and, on 13 August, lodged another complaint regarding inappropriate behaviour. 

The police also confirmed that the suspect’s mobile phone had been seized as evidence, though the suspect refused to provide its password.

The officer noted that the investigation had been completed and that the suspect, a student residing in the country, had previously faced charges relating to inappropriate behaviour.

After reviewing the testimony, the judge ruled that the suspect be released on bail of 40,000 TL, subject to conditions including a ban on leaving the country and mandatory weekly check-ins with police.