Suspect in Armed Attack Case Remanded for Two Days

A police officer presenting the case in court stated that the suspect was arrested in connection with charges of "Causing Serious Injury, Illegal Possession and Use of a Firearm, Illegal Possession of Explosives, and Discharging a Firearm in a Residential Area."

According to the police, on February 22, 2025, at around 15:15, at the "Doyduk Doyduk" restaurant on Şht. Mustafa Ahmet Ruso Street in Nicosia, suspect Muharem Lermi fired a single shot at restaurant owner Ahmet Keskin, injuring him in the right calf.

Following the incident, authorities activated a pre-planned "serious and urgent incident response program," leading to the arrest of Muharem Lermi at Ercan Airport around 17:00 on the same day as he was attempting to leave the country. The police also recovered the Glock firearm used in the attack near the crime scene, with eight rounds of ammunition.

The investigation revealed that Metin Emininaç had provided the firearm to Muharem Lermi on February 20. The police stated that Emininaç was arrested on February 23 and that immigration records showed he had entered the country on a tourist visa on February 12.

The suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and acknowledged the recent increase in similar incidents, prompting a broader investigation by authorities.

The police requested a two-day detention period, citing the ongoing investigation, which includes reviewing CCTV footage and taking further witness statements.

Judge Nuray Necdet reviewed the testimony and ordered that the suspect remain in custody for two more days.