The armed attack case against Ahmet Keskin in Nicosia has concluded. Muharem Lermi, who was tried at the Nicosia High Criminal Court, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. The other defendant, Metin Eminanç, received a 6-year prison sentence. The court also revealed that an individual named İl ak, currently in Turkey, was linked to the incident and that a total of 500,000 TL had been paid to both defendants for this case.
The court expressed its concern over the increasing violent incidents in the city, stating, “It is quite sad and worrying that security in our streets is diminishing.” The negative impact of such crimes on society was also emphasized.
Course of the Case and Sentences
Following the armed attack on February 22, 2025, it was stated that Muharem Lermi severely injured Ahmet Keskin. The defendants were tried for “causing serious injury, illegal carrying and possession of a firearm, using explosives illegally, and firing in a residential area,” and were sentenced to heavy penalties by the court based on the seriousness of the charges.
The court noted that Muharem Lermi caused severe injuries to Keskin by shooting him in the leg with a Glock pistol. Lermi was arrested while attempting to leave Ercan Airport. The injured Keskin underwent emergency surgery at the hospital and was treated in the intensive care unit.
Background of the Incident
The judge stated that Muharem Lermi and Metin Eminanç had come to TRNC as tourists for the first time and confirmed that both defendants made plans to carry out the said attack. Initially, Metin Eminanç stated that he made an agreement with a man named İl ak, who came from Turkey, to shoot Ahmet Keskin.
After this agreement, İl ak made a new plan with Muharem Lermi when Eminanç withdrew. Lermi ended up being the one who directly shot and severely injured Keskin. Following the incident, the penalties given to the defendants during the court process were determined considering the increase in violent incidents in society.
The judge highlighted that the rise in violent crimes poses a threat to public safety. When determining the sentences for both defendants, a distinction was made based on their roles. Although Eminanç did not carry out the attack, he received a lesser sentence compared to Lermi, who was the perpetrator of the crime.
In conclusion, the court sentenced Muharem Lermi to 11 years and Metin Eminanç to 6 years in prison. This decision is considered an important step in preventing the increasing incidents of violence in TRNC.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
