Number of criminal cases in courts of Northern Cyprus nearly doubled — 54,592 cases in 2024

The number of criminal cases reviewed in Kaza Mahkemeleri in Northern Cyprus has almost doubled in five years: from 27,711 in 2020 to 54,592 in 2024, according to published annual court reports. The growth amounted to about 97%.

According to the reports, the highest number of cases was registered in Lefkoşa — 20,059 cases; followed by Girne — 12,336, Famagusta — 11,305, Güzelyurt — 5,237, İskele — 4,329, and Lefke — 1,326. On January 1, 2024, there were 19,828 pending cases, while on January 1, 2025, there were 26,187 cases.

The main increase came from traffic and police-related cases. Traffic cases rose from 23,506 in 2020 to 48,017 in 2024 (up 52%), police cases from 4,151 to 6,540 (up 57.5%). Annual dynamics: 2021 — 35,073; 2022 — 48,822; 2023 — 42,247; 2024 — 54,592.

A Kaza Mahkemesi (president or judge) is authorized to impose up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to 1 million Turkish liras, or both; the court may also oblige the defendant to pay compensation of up to 1 million liras to the victim.

For residents, this means a greater burden on the courts and possible delays in hearings; drivers and road users should pay special attention to following traffic rules, and in case of receiving a summons — prepare a defense in advance or consult a lawyer. According to the courts, the rise in cases reflects the increase in reports of offenses and the strain on law enforcement practice.