Syrian national jailed in north Cyprus for crossing military zone, Claims he wanted to seek asylum in Turkey

A Syrian national, identified as AO has been sentenced to prison for up to one month after illegally crossing from south to north Cyprus through a first-degree military restricted zone.

According to police testimony, the incident occurred on August 26, 2025, at around 11:00 p.m. Authorities learned that the suspect, a resident of southern Cyprus, had crossed into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by climbing over fences near the Metehan Border Crossing, thereby entering a restricted military zone.

Police arrested the suspect in Lefkosa the following day, August 27. A migration check revealed that he had no legal entry or exit records in the TRNC.

During questioning, the suspect reportedly told officers that he crossed from the south to the north in order to seek asylum in Turkey, though he declined to provide a written statement.

The police testified in court that the suspect had no legal ties to the TRNC and posed a high risk of fleeing. He therefore requested that Ogel be remanded in custody.

The judge, ordered that Ogel be held in prison for a period not exceeding one month.