Tufan Erhurman has dismissed alarming social media claims that a Turkish Cypriot man, seriously injured in an assault in Ayia Napa, has died. The victim remains alive but is currently in critical condition.
On Tuesday, Erhurman took to social media to clarify the situation after rumours began circulating online. He stated that he had reached out to Durriye Deren Oygar, the Turkish Cypriot co-chair of the bicommunal technical committee on health, to verify the reports.
According to Erhurman, Oygar contacted officials at Nicosia general hospital and confirmed that the victim is still alive, although his condition is serious. This clarification comes as a relief amidst the distressing news that has spread through various platforms.
In his message, Erhurman emphasised the importance of relying on information from official sources. He urged Turkish Cypriots to be cautious of unverified reports circulating on social media, which can lead to unnecessary panic.
The assault that led to the victim’s critical injuries has drawn condemnation from political leaders in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. In the wake of the attack, four 18-year-old suspects have been remanded in custody for eight days by the Famagusta district court. They are facing serious charges related to grievous bodily harm.
Police reported that the suspects, who were travelling on Swedish passports but are believed to originate from Albania, Chile, and Iraq, were arrested in the early hours of Monday following the violent incident. They have been charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm.
The victim, aged 47, was discovered seriously injured on a road in Ayia Napa on Sunday morning. Initially taken to Famagusta general hospital, he was later transferred to Nicosia general hospital due to the severity of his injuries, where he is currently intubated and under intensive care.
The Famagusta criminal investigation department (CID) is actively pursuing the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault, aiming to bring further clarity to this distressing incident.
