The driver who brought a pistol in a truck sentenced to 10 months in prison in Girne

The Girne Heavy Criminal Court (Girne Ağır Ceza Mahkemesi) on September 17, 2025, unanimously found Emre Alp guilty of illegal import, possession, and carrying of a firearm and sentenced him to 10 months of imprisonment.

The hearing was presided over by Melek Esendağlı, with senior judge Alev Ulunay Hüdaverdi and judge Temay Sager also on the panel; the verdict was announced by judge Temay Sager. Defense attorney Hüseyin Koralp represented the defendant, and lawyer Güven Ballıkara attended the trial.

The court determined that the defendant arrived in Northern Cyprus by truck (TIR), unloaded the transported cargo, and the next day a pistol without ammunition was found during a port inspection. In his testimony, Emre Alp stated that there was a threat to his life in his home country and that he intended to protect himself, noting that he forgot to leave the weapon before entering the territory. The court considered the evidence presented by the defense but recognized the seriousness of the offense and the need for a deterrent sentence, which influenced the length of the term.

The decision emphasizes the authorities’ strict stance on illegal firearm imports into Northern Cyprus and serves as a signal of control at border and port checkpoints.