Two-year-old child taken into state protection in TRNC after high-profile abduction case

TRNC authorities have taken a two-year-old child into state protection who, according to investigators, was illegally brought from the Republic of Cyprus to the north of the island by his father. The decision was made following an assessment by specialists from the Social Services Department and a court order.

TRNC Minister of Labor and Social Security, Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu, stated that the department is closely monitoring the situation. According to him, the top priority remains the safety and well-being of the child.

“The child is under state care, has undergone the necessary medical examinations, and his physical and psychological condition is being monitored by experts,” the minister noted.

The incident occurred on May 13. According to available information, the child's father, O.O., who is wanted in the Republic of Cyprus for offenses related to violence and drugs, illegally crossed the border and arrived at the home of his former partner in Limassol. Following a conflict with the child's mother, K.M., he took his two-year-old son and brought him to the TRNC.

After the woman contacted the Republic of Cyprus police, a search was launched. The man later confirmed the abduction in a social media post, stating that he was ready to “give his life for his child.”

The suspect was located and detained in Gazimağusa. The court extended his custody for three days on charges of violating a military forbidden zone.

The child's mother continues to seek the return of her son. In an emotional social media post, she stated that the child “misses his mom and his toys” and accused the father's relatives of hiding the boy again.

TRNC authorities emphasize that further decisions will be made solely with the best interests of the child in mind and within the framework of the law.