In Nicosia, university student Uche Michael Mekwunye has been sentenced to four years in prison for threatening a resident and a police officer with a machete and a knife, and subsequently assaulting them, Yeniduzen reported. The judge stated that such conduct, particularly from a student in this country, could not be condoned, noting, “Students coming to our country, known as an island of universities, should be more thoroughly vetted”*.
Judge Tutku Candaş of the Nicosia High Criminal Court delivered the verdict. She described how, on July 10, 2024, at approximately 5 p.m., Mekwunye confronted a resident of an apartment building in Küçük Kaymaklı. When the resident, K.V., questioned why he was in the building and asked him to leave, Mekwunye responded aggressively, kicking K.V.’s door and causing a disturbance. Wielding a 28 cm knife and machete, he then advanced towards K.V. in a threatening manner.
The judge further detailed how Mekwunye resisted arrest when police arrived at the scene. He pushed Police Officer M.A., who was attempting to detain him, resulting in M.A. sustaining a broken arm. Mekwunye was also found guilty of deliberately damaging the rear left door of the police vehicle (licence plate RHA 4158) by kicking it, bending the external frame and breaking internal wooden panels and hinges.
Judge Candaş highlighted the severity of the charges, noting that the crime of grievous bodily harm carries a potential seven-year prison sentence. The use of a knife and machete to intimidate and the assault on police officers performing their duties were considered aggravating factors. She also remarked on the prevalence of such violent crimes, pointing out that this trend is reflected in the annual reports of the courts.
Expressing the court’s disapproval, she stated, “The defendant brought terror to the situation”. Judge Candaş reiterated the importance of rigorous vetting for incoming students and asserted that crimes disrupting public order warrant prison sentences. She then confirmed the defendant’s four-year prison sentence.
*The rise in violent and drug-related crimes linked to international students, particularly from African countries, is a growing concern in North Cyprus. These incidents often draw attention due to their impact on public safety and the reputation of North Cyprus as a hub for higher education.
In response, local authorities and universities are beginning to consider stricter vetting and monitoring measures for incoming students. Some propose enhanced support and integration programs aimed at addressing any challenges these students might face, which could help prevent criminal activity.
This complex issue has spurred discussions among residents, educators, and officials, as they seek to balance the benefits of international education with community safety and cohesion. [LGC News Ed.]
