Fatal Traffic Accident in Bostancı: Kenan Aşan Sentenced to 3 Years and 6 Months in Prison

The case regarding the accident that led to the death of 61-year-old Charalambos Anastasiou was concluded at the Lefkoşa Assize Court, where the defendant received his sentence.

The verdict was delivered by a panel of judges consisting of Presiding Judge Füsun Cemaller, Senior Judge Vedia Berkut Barkın, and Judge Tutku Candaş, with Judge Barkın reading the ruling.

Judge Barkın noted that fatal traffic accidents have been increasing and that, in 2024, the parliament had raised the penalties for causing death by negligence. However, since the accident occurred before the law was amended, the maximum penalty applicable at the time was seven years in prison.

She stated that the defendant was charged with seven offenses and found guilty on all counts. The judge highlighted that Aşan had picked up two hitchhikers before the accident and was engaged in conversation with them when he failed to notice the red traffic light.

The court also considered that the accident occurred in a residential area with a speed limit of 50 km/h, but Aşan was driving at 70 km/h.

Judge Barkın also pointed out that the victim had been exceeding the speed limit and was not wearing a seatbelt, which contributed to the severity of the accident. However, she emphasized that the primary responsibility lay with the defendant.

Noting the increasing number of fatal traffic accidents and public concern over the issue, the judge stated that all factors were considered in determining the sentence, including Aşan’s status as a married father of three and his immediate admission of guilt. Consequently, the court sentenced him to three years and six months in prison.

How Did the Accident Happen?

The fatal accident that claimed the life of Charalambos Anastasiou occurred at the Bostancı traffic lights on June 27, 2024. Kenan Aşan, 40, was driving a luxury Mercedes at excessive speed when he ran a red light while heading toward Lefke. At that moment, he collided with a PYN 362 plate vehicle driven by 61-year-old Charalambos Anastasiou, a resident of southern Cyprus. As a result of the crash, Anastasiou lost his life.