A protest seeking justice for Naveed Akbar, who tragically lost his life after being struck by a drunk driver in Gemikonağı on the night of June 15th, has drawn attention and support from family, friends, and international students. They organised a “Justice for Naveed Akbar” march, demanding accountability for the soldier involved in the incident, Yeniduzen reports.
Naveed Akbar (26) was killed when Mehmet Eren Erdoğan, an intoxicated driver and a soldier in the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) stationed in Cyprus, crashed into him while he was sitting on a bench with a friend. Despite the severity of the incident, Erdoğan was handed over to his commanders in Doğancı (Elye) instead of being brought before the court under police custody. Even after five days, no judicial action has been taken against him.
Akbar’s fiancée, Aycan Taliman, expressed her grief and pleaded for justice at the accident site. Overcome with sorrow, she emphasised the need for those responsible to be held accountable. “We want this soldier to be tried. He should face justice, and we deserve to know his whereabouts“, she said, highlighting the anguish experienced by Naveed’s brother. “Look at our situation. Look at the pain Naveed’s brother is enduring; how will this young man take his brother home in a coffin? The commanders must come here!“
The accident, caused by Erdoğan’s vehicle while he was under the influence, resulted in Akbar’s death due to multiple fractures and internal bleeding, as confirmed by the post mortem. Despite this, Erdoğan was released and returned to his unit in Doğancı village, leaving Akbar’s family and supporters calling for immediate legal action.
Naveed Akbar, a Pakistani national, was a student at the European University of Lefke. His body has been returned to Pakistan for burial.
