Man Sentenced to 2.5 Years in Prison for Assault and Sexual Harassment

The verdict was delivered by the Nicosia Assize Court, presided over by Füsun Cemaller, with Senior Judge Vedia Berkut Barkın and Judge Tutku Candaş. The ruling was read by Judge Candaş.

According to the court, the incident occurred at around 2:30 a.m. on 21 March 2024. Etçibaşı assaulted his housemate, identified as Ç.T., inside their shared residence and then subjected her to sexual harassment. Judge Candaş noted that the sexual assault involved physical violence and carries a maximum sentence of four years under the law.

The judge highlighted the gravity of sexual offences, stating that they are among the most serious crimes as they disrupt public order, cause social unrest, and deeply wound the fabric of society. She also referenced recent amendments to the Criminal Code, which increased penalties under the newly structured category of "Offences Against Public Morality."

In delivering the sentence, the judge emphasized that Etçibaşı committed multiple acts of sexual assault against his housemate, using physical force, and described the crime as deeply distressing and socially damaging.