In the draft bill for the 2025 Central Government Budget of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the proposed budget of 307,435,000 TL for the Legal Department (Office of the Attorney General) was unanimously approved by the Parliamentary Committee on Economy, Finance, Budget, and Planning.
Insufficient Number of Prosecutors
Deputy Attorney General Ahmet Varol, who was the first to speak in the committee, highlighted an increase in heavy criminal cases due to population growth and rising crime rates. He noted that the number of criminal cases initiated by the Prosecutor’s Office had reached 48,214 by November 2024.
Varol stated that the shortage of prosecutors has caused inadequacies in handling some cases and noted that they were unable to respond to all requests and opinions sought from their office. Drawing attention to logistical issues, he remarked that Prosecutor’s Offices in district courthouses lack vehicles.
Varol mentioned that although requests for vehicles were made to the Ministry of Finance, they had not been fulfilled. He also noted a shortage of personnel. He pointed out that a new courthouse had been opened in Lefke, but staffing shortages caused operational difficulties, with some cases being handled by temporary staff. Stressing the need for resources to enable the Prosecutor’s Office to fulfil its core duties, Varol revealed plans to hire new prosecutors this year through an open recruitment process.
CTP MP Sami Özuslu asked about the progress of investigations into fake diplomas, pharmacists, and doctors. He also requested information on certain incidents reported in the media.
Investigations into Fake Prescriptions and Diplomas Ongoing
Responding to these questions, Deputy Attorney General Ahmet Varol said that investigations involving pharmacists and doctors are ongoing. He stated that police had made significant progress in these cases, with case files expected to be handed over to the Prosecutor’s Office after the new year.
Varol highlighted that priority would be given to cases involving fake diplomas and pharmacists, noting that statements had been taken from 18,700 individuals regarding the pharmacists’ cases. He estimated that the files would begin to be reviewed by the Prosecutor’s Office within two months. He also mentioned that the Financial Crimes Unit was examining the diploma cases, with files involving nine individuals currently under review and reports of additional fraudulent diplomas emerging.
No Decline in Case Numbers Expected
CTP MP Erkut Şahali stressed the need to address gaps in neglected areas due to the workload of the Prosecutor’s Office. He stated that they did not anticipate a decrease in the number of cases.
Referring to recent developments in Parliament, Şahali said that the organisational structure of the Prosecutor’s Office required attention and revision.
After the discussions, the budget for the Legal Department (Office of the Attorney General) was voted on and unanimously approved.
Upcoming Budget Discussions
The committee will reconvene at 11:00 today to continue its deliberations. Tomorrow, the budgets of the Prime Ministry (set at 1,969,523,000 TL) and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment (set at 1,936,092,000 TL) will be discussed.
